Does a $50,000 per year Harvard degree get you a better paying job than a $10,000 per year community college degree? If so, how many years does it take to recoup the extra tuition costs?
If Harvard degrees pay better dividends then try to get schooled at Harvard.
Oh, I agree that this analysis must be made from a real, hard 'cost vs. benefits' perspective. Of course, once you do that, the whole scam begins to shake apart. So much of the accepted narrative revolves around fogging up that perspective.
Expensive University/college makes folks smarter and better earners the same way that putting a bunch of short people on a basketball team makes them taller.
I have a great career in a hard science. The best and most essential parts of my education were acquired at Junior College. My employer paid for the remainder of my degree, so no risk to me. They have already recouped the expenses.
You gotta have a plan for yourself...