I graduated in four years. Got the hell out as quickly as I could and skipped my graduation ceremony. I went to a massive state school in the middle of nowhere called Northern Illinois University, where, unsurprisingly, a gunman went on a rampage last February. The university was miserable but I didn't care because I went there to study acting. I had the option of going to Paul McCartney's school in Liverpool with a scholarship, the Hartt Conservatory with a scholarship, and a few others. I chose NIU because I thought I'd get the training I needed.
It was actually the first mature decision I ever made, I think. I had talent, but no craft, and my professor either trained or at various times coached about every great actor you can think of. I am still paying the price for choosing an arts major, though. First of all, there's no money in it. I left school with no skills and now I work at a cafe during the week and I wait tables on the weekends, plus I rehearse weekday nights. I work harder for less money than almost anyone I know and I don't get weekends free. But the worst part of choosing an arts major (especially if the art is acting) is that people in general have no clue what it is that you studied for 18 credit hours every semester. They don't know that it takes time, practice, research, dedication, and disappointment. They're certain it can't be that hard. They're certain they could do it themselves. And why not? DeNiro makes it look easy, so it must be. That's the worst part. The lack of money just comes with the territory, but the lack of respect has cost me many angry, sleepless nights.
Nonetheless, I wouldn't have done anything different if I had it to do over again. If I had studied computer technology, my life would have been completely valueless. (No offense to CPU Tech people, I'm just talking about MY life.) And that would probably have been worse than the scores of imbeciles I have to put up with who think I was grooming myself for stardom but failed. It's worth it to choose a major that's right for you. Because if you don't you'll have nothing but regrets, and all the money in the world won't change that. I know this sounds cliche but I believe it's true.
Maybe if regular people could get decent-paying, satisfying jobs, they wouldn't have this silly need to go to uni.
Of course, my experience may have been different from yours but I know bartenders that make more than corporate attorneys. I think if you're hell-bent on making a decent life for yourself then you'll do it, no matter what. That's why I think it's necessary to have a better reason to seek advanced education than just the prospect of making six figures.