this is a very one-dimensional analysis.<p>It doesn't factor in the network you gain from college, chance to collaborate with others, opportunity to find romantic partners, etc...
I wish there were a nation-wide "college exit exam". I also think there should be a "high school exit exam". This would allow advanced students to prove themselves earlier and it would set a universal standard bar that can be used to compare colleges and students. A college exit exam would have to be comprehensive enough that it would probably take 3-4 days to complete.