I needed the structure more than anything. Nothing I learned in university was some secretive knowledge. Anyone could buy the same textbooks and learn the same materials.

However, I am not one of those people. I lack(ed) the self-discipline required to learn anything with moderate to long feedback loops, thus it was far wiser for me to outsource all the necessary planning and assessment to a structured program.

Student loan debt is a blight on society, but I'd be lying if I said the looming repayment was not a great motivator to attend classes and do well in school. Some things just hit differently when there is skin in the game.