Is College an Industrial Degree Factory?

I found this Op-Ed in my alma mater's student newspaper (Pipe Dream, Binghamton University)

Two quotes caught my attention - perceived cynicism mixed with personal optimism:

Sadly, the fact that college is hardly about learning or getting an education is old news. Rather, it is widely accepted that college serves the primary purpose of qualifying students for professional positions.

College is, or at least should be, about personal development. As cliché as it sounds, it is important to remember that, more often than not, real growth takes place outside of the classroom.

So you tell me - what is/was college really all about for you?

Read Binghamton University: An industrial degree factory
By Michael Snow
http://www2.bupipedream.com/op-ed/binghamton-university-an-industrial-degree-factory-1.1922536