In our capitalist society we have a pyramid shaped distribution of income. For a good portion of history, a college education has meant a place in the top tria

In our capitalist society we have a pyramid shaped distribution of income. For a good portion of history, a college education has meant a place in the top triangle. However, there are only so many spots in that triangle. That is precisely why the cost of a college education will no longer (necessarily) pay for itself in future income. Wages are based on a person's relative skill, and if the whole country has a degree, than it doesn't end up differentiating anyone. Which is why the cost is now seemingly overpriced. If we really need college degrees for everyone, then there is no choice but to go the high school route and fund it publicly.