I'm not making an argument for University here (I think there are valid points on either side of that discussion), but to me the above shows a misunderstanding of what a University education is about. It is much less about learning practical skills (which is why it's not for everyone), than it is about learning theoretical concepts. However, most of all, University is about learning how to learn. How to learn things quickly and well at the same time. You may already be a good learner, but that is what the degree provides some assurance of (but not a guarantee) to hiring managers.