Maybe we are conflating several problems here.
One which is specific to the USA is that university degrees can be expensive. That is less the case in Europe (except England, maybe?) so that if you have the ability to study, it always makes sense to do so. Conversely, if 3 years of university cost more than the premium you will get from a bachelor diploma, it does not make economical sense to study.
The other question is: is what one learns at university useful in your daily job? I think this was nicely answered by stating that university teaches you logic and thinking skills…
The last question, which I do not see clearly asked here is: what is the point of view of the employer? From their side, your diploma is seen as an indication that you may be fit to the job (for your first job, after a few jobs your resumé is more important). That implies your technical skills, but a few untold criteria as well:
- whether you were obedient enough to survive the education system
- whether you are from the adequate social background or not (I believe this is the reason for expensive MBAs in the USA).
