Finally something I feel qualified to answer. I didn't go to university, I finished high school and got straight into working some shitty jobs (telemarketing, filling shelves at the supermarket, maintenance etc) and then got a job as a forklift operator in a big company. Over the past decade I've worked my way up into a respectable enough position and pay that I'm mostly satisfied with, and lot of possibilities within the company to move to.

We have a program in place to hire engineering university graduates and out of the 16 or so we have hired about half. Because there is bit of a shortage of engineering jobs going they have had to settle with other jobs, many below the position I now hold. When talking with them, some of them lament getting a degree and having the debt over their shoulders, where I never had that issue.

I'm sure handful of them will go on to earn top dollar but they have smarts to do it so good for them.