I'd have to disagree somewhat with Success in his appraisal of the effect of University on the psyche. While I agree there are tremendous abuses of power on campus, I think it must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

I had some profs who were great people, real "liberators of the mind," and I've also had those "close-minded, politically-motivated, burned-out losers who shouldn't be teaching but got tenure and couldn't cut it in the real world anyway" types.

Going to college or university is maybe the first big investment for the kids who attend, and as with almost anything worthwhile, there are trials and tribulations involved. The educational model is clearly flawed, but I hope that for most, it's not an embittering experience.