I agree with parent — there is no prestige issue and other contributing factors include a desire for specialized community that is absent in later years, plus

I agree with parent — there is no prestige issue and other contributing factors include a desire for specialized community that is absent in later years, plus reduced ability to/interest in relocating. While you can certainly get it for free, having a cohort and a badge that perhaps could serve as a prerequisite could benefit all students and all teachers/schools.