I remember the professors during my college orientation extolling the virtues of how Liberal Arts would mold us into superior citizens, able to think critically

I remember the professors during my college orientation extolling the virtues of how Liberal Arts would mold us into superior citizens, able to think critically and holistically in a way we normally couldn't. Now I know some of this is just hype, but there was a sincere sense that the 'uneducated' were lesser people that weren't as capable of rational and enlightened thought. My actual college experience was informative, but I don't particularly feel like my two semesters of Rhetoric made me a sharp critical thinker.... because it was just slightly more difficult high-school English. College is sold as essential, when in reality it is not for everyone. And, not having a college degree shouldn't be a de-facto deficiency.