It could be argued colleges are already subsidized by easy loans that students are simply unfit to repay, with the understanding they will be taken care of somehow (by gov stealing from people without kids, if it comes to that).

Standardized learning will always be popular, because people enjoy the illusion of 'security' of a 'path' laid out before them. But I don't see security in having a million people with the same experience as me.

I also don't see security in a single paycheck. Someone who gives you money for your services is your 'client.' What security is there in having only 1 client?

A 'boss' is simply a 'client' who has roped you into signing an exclusivity contract. I have never signed one of those. Say that you still do work on the weekends for some old client so can they just scratch that paragraph, and they usually will. Then keep multiple clients. Who was it that said "Self-care isn't a bubble bath and a spa day. Self-care is multiple income streams."

A unique self-guided education (being interested is a superpower) and experience solving problems or building things, with a small portfolio and 4-6 testimonials, will more easily find you clients and 'security' than stepping out of college with a mortar board on your head, indistinguishable from a sea of other mortar boards, with zero work experience. Then limiting yourself to a single income stream and a solitary client you call 'boss'.