Universities sell credentials, and I think they always have.
Twenty years ago, I graduated with an MBA from the Wharton School. I went there because it was the best school I could get into. Also, I was impressed with some of the people I had met from there.
The fact that I would have to reside in Philadelphia was a drawback. I paid to live in the dorms there because I did not want to have to brave the rough neighborhood that surrounded the school. Homicides occurred at the dormitory door. It might be best to consider having to live in Philadelphia as part of the cost of attending.
Universities are going through a tough time financially. People no longer have to attend them to get the credentials they need. People inside universities think they are selling an experience and that people are turning away from that. I think universities were always selling credentials.
They're just not the only place to get them any more.
(n.b., this essay was inspired by a conversation with Patricia Anderson)