Comment by TrackerFF

For the vast majority that enroll higher education: Because they want a job. They need a job.

The degree is the key that unlocks the door to a job. Not the knowledge itself, but the actual physical diploma.

And it REALLY, REALLY doesn't help that there are so many jobs out there that could be done just fine with a HS diploma. But because reasons, you now need a college degree for that job.

The problem isn't new. For decades people have bought fake degrees, hired people to do their work, even hired people the impersonate themselves.