Here is my take on it.... This is coming from an un-degreed engineer.
My first objective post high school was to get a job and get out of my mothers house. I joined the Air Force (prior to graduating high school I attempted to go to the AF Academy, so I attempted to get a free education to achieve this first objective)
After 4 years in the military, I decided that it was time to get a real job (not much call for a B-52 gunner in the real world) and took an entry level job at a grocery store (bagger). This job was short lived, but I had experience in retail sales for my resume. Notice that getting an education was not my next objective, but being able to support myself was. With this experience on my resume, I applied for a job as a night shift clerk/floor scrubber for a small convenience store chain. Being rather intelligent ( IQ > 160) I soon (within 2 months) was promoted to Shift Manager then (3 months later) to Asst. Manager then when my manager finally completed his degree (in engineering by the way), he suggested that the company promote me to Store Manager (I had worked for the company for less than 1 year). Hard work and a strong work ethic (thanks mom) propelled me to a comfortable living for a 24 year old. Over the course of the next 4 years, I took better paying managerial jobs and eventually ended up as a U-Haul Center General Manager, during this time I also went to a local junior college but was not in pursuit of any particular degree (I took classes that interested me). Then... turmoil. I had to fire my assistant manager at the U-Haul Center and was at the mercy of the local U-Haul company to get a replacement. They dragged their feet for 2 months (all the while I was working 7 days/week 10-15 hours/day), I got fed up and quit without any prospects.
Now I was thinking education... however I didn't have enough savings for something long term, while up late one night I saw an ad on TV "become a draftsman now, enroll at ABC Tech and get your drafting certificate in 6 months". Short term education but I had to pay my bills (rent, food, utilities, etc.) so I went to work for a former employer part time in a lesser capacity than manager. You may notice a theme here "need to stay alive with a roof over my head (that is not free)", I still wanted my independence.
After getting my drafting certificate (including CAD) I applied at all of the major aerospace firms and major sub-tier suppliers. Within 3 months I was hired by Rohr Industries (a local manufacturer of aircraft nacelles) as a draftsman. Remember the IQ? in 1 year I was promoted to Sr. Draftsman, 2 years later to Designer, 2 years later to Engineer. 3 years later to Sr. Engineer. During my time at Rohr I continued going to junior college, and actually had to drop out of a chemistry class to learn CATIA (company training in an advanced CAD tool), since the 2 classes conflicted. I figured that learning the advanced CAD tool was more important to my future job growth than chemistry would be. Now I work for the largest aerospace company in the US (possibly the world) and earn a great living. My whole life was predicated on being independent and being able to support myself and my family.
I started at the bottom (with no objections) and through hard work and perseverance I made it to a position that I am proud of and can support my family quite well. Had I done what my friends from high school had done (gone to college paid for by their parents and lived at home while they did it) I may not be where I am now. On the other hand I may have become an executive at my current employer by this time.
I guess the point I trying to make is that I was not poisoned by higher education, and never expected anything to be handed to me. I worked for everything I have, and now these idiots think they deserve something for nothing, I don't think so!