These days academic qualifications count very much. Many people having left school and obtaining their General Certificats of Secondary education (GCSEs) opt for Universities, so that they can get their degrees in different subjects. They think that it will give them a chance to find better paid jobs.
However, some school-leavers think that university  qualifications are not good enough for their future jobs. 
On the one hand university education is necessary for very well paid jobs, especially in scientific and economical sectors, if you want to join the country's ruling elite. However, such university education, though affordableis said to lack depth of bazics and practical knowledge. Othrwise it is unreasonably expensive and thus unaffordable in such places as Oxford and Cambridge.
College education, on the other hand, though not as universal and versatile as the one of Universities is widely regurded more solide and deep in basic specialization. No wonder that mechanics or clerks, know basic professional skills better than University graduates. Not for nothing is there a saying going round: "College is knowledge! University is hope!"
It is common knowledge that College graduates' expertise is in short supply and they easier get the jobs advertised. 
In conclusion I'd like to outline that no matter whether you study at school, college or University, you have to make sure that you get the most out of it, which should benefit your life in the future.