I agree with Soontobe (BTS) In this country 40 yrs ago (Australia), a degree was something that indicated you could research, write assignments well, could set goals and achieve them. Now it is a fully commercial enterprise as Gov funding dropped and private enterprise started to fill the gap. Of course to gain students it's inevitable in the free market that standards drop ( until there is a readjustment). What student wants to pay tens of thousands of dollars and fail? HIgh standards, less students gaining degrees and getting employment.
My ex lectures at Uni and (I hope she doesn't read this) I believe the standard of her work for her degree and masters was poor but she got a job. Considering the volume of students going through that Uni and the size of our country, there must be a point where a degree is useless, so the need for a readjustment.