- What program the student chooses
- Is said program at the University recognized
- If recognized does the program provide a proper mix of theory and application
- What opportunities does the program actively provide for the student
- Is the student willing to be an active participant in their education
- Is student and active participant in what resources the program offers
If yes to all of the above, then student really receives a proper well rounded education practical knowledge, and the resources to find a job. Along with that they have the tools to continue to be a competitor in the market and in their current employment.
Far too often it seems that a degree just implies employment and competitive salary. If properly used and taken advantage of it really implies being a much better competitor when all else is held equal.
I think that is what we have now... the education is disconnected from the jobs in the sense that the price makes no sense.
I think a lot of what you describe is what happens when an education system thinks they're just selling "an education" without consideration that their student's are can't afford it.