Quote: "Because so many people get a degree now, a degree no longer makes you stand out above the crowd."
That doesn't make the worth of the degree any less!
Quote: "Most jobs that I've looked at want a degree & 2 years experience or something of the sort"
That's true, that's why in my spare time at Uni, I do professional websites, make indi games, and generally just beef up my resume so that when I go for the job, I can say "Hey, I've done all this
as well as doing my degree!"
Quote: "by the time I'm finished and have my degree they will be at the same or higher level than me and that will be without the thousands of pounds of debt."
And without all that extra knowledge. If you're working a job, you're doing a single task that they've got you assigned to for 6 months, mean-while, at Uni, in that same 6 months, you've just learnt about 4 specialist topics. When they're hiring, if you can show you've learnt all that stuff, you're the one they'll take over someone who's only been working.
Quote: "allowing much lower entry requirements."
Here in Australia, the 'entry requirements' aren't based on grades.
We get a University Admission Index (UAI) which basically ranks our final grade from school against all other students in the state with 100.00 being the highest, going down in .05 decrements.
When you apply for your Uni course, they get everyone's applications together, and order them from best to worst. They just take people off the top of the pile until the course is full, or there's no more applicants.
So, in essence, an Australian degree can
never have its entry requirements lowered
Quote: "Uni's are all about how much money they can make now"
Now? They've always been about making money. All institutions are. But, the lecturers and Professors who teach there are about imparting knowledge and hopefully giving someone the kick-start they need to becoming the next biggest thing in their field.
Anyway, if I go for a job straight out of Uni, and I'm up against someone with no degree, they'll look at mine and think "Hey, a High-Distinction student (85%+), graduated with Honors, and has done professional work on the side. Hired."
... At least, I hope so
