I'd have to see the college accounts before I'd concede that. If it is so lacking in value, I wonder how come it was so expensive for her to obtain her PhD?

Because, as a liberal arts student, she probably didn't have much in the way of assistanceships or scholarships. Most science and engineering students are supported through teaching assistanceships, research assistanceships or fellowships from outside her school. Those pay both tuition and a modest salary.

What does one thing have to do with the other? People make irrational economic choices all the time.