As someone who went to a University with expectations of going into a career in my field, I tell everyone that college is great to 1) Network with other people, 2) learn how to think for yourself and 3) learn different perspectives and methods.
Information is out there but you need to know how, when, and where to use it. If you don’t have experience, a college degree shows an employer that you are committed and can follow through.
Should it cost $100k? Heck no but just like everything else, organizations get greedy. Just my 2 cents.