German universities to scrap all tuition fees!

[whopis01]

71. As long as the hiring requirements at most companies change as well

The academic system here has been ruined by HR departments that require college degrees for every job under the sun. Colleges and universities have happily gone along with this and have become degree factories.

It started with all the for-profit colleges (strayer, phoenix, Everest, etc) but has spread to traditional institutions. I say this based on my experience as a former professor who taught engineering at one of the largest state universities in the country. I did that for about 12 years and couldn't take any more of it.

A student could get a quality education there if they wanted. But if they just wanted to get a degree to stick on their resume they could do that as well with very little effort or learning required. Just so long as they paid their tuition along the way. The administration cared very little for anything other than the amount of grant money professors brought in and the number of students they pushed through their classes.

In my opinion, this is all stems from the devaluation of a technical education. A BA/BS degree has become required for many jobs where it really isn't necessary.

Sorry for the rant - just a personal sore point with me. Please don't get me wrong - I love education and think that everyone who wishes to pursue it should to whatever extent they wish.