As someone who went to a University with expectations of going into a career in my field, I tell everyone that college is great to 1) Network with other people, 2) learn how to think for yourself and 3) learn different perspectives and methods.

Information is out there but you need to know how, when, and where to use it. If you don’t have experience, a college degree shows an employer that you are committed and can follow through.

Should it cost $100k? Heck no but just like everything else, organizations get greedy. Just my 2 cents.

Published scientific journals that are kept behind paywalls for anyone not at a university

Information and knowledge are entirely different things. Universities and colleges aren’t just information clearinghouses; they’re (ideally) designed to teach, encourage critical thinking and foster mastery of the knowledge and skills one gains there.