Why go to college, and end up owing $20-80,000 upon graduation?

Did just that, in the '60s. Worked for Corporate America for 24 years. Downsizing resulted in 4,000 layoffs in 1 day. Took up truck driving. Classes then cost $3,000, now $5,000. Made more every year as a driver, ($80-90,000), than as a programmer for 24 years (mid $60s). Technical schools and trade schools should not be overlooked. Should they?