The issues you describe could be addressed in other ways. Your claim about college teaching critical thinking is misguided. While it's true that is the theoretical goal, in practice they're mostly just cranking out degrees and requiring a lot of memorization.
"maybe it should take 6-8 years after all."
This has multiple negative economic effects, such as delaying family and decreasing g retirement savings compounding.
"The quality of an average graduate would be immense, and future earning abilities would be equally increased."
I highly doubt this. Without the qualifications to work in their field, they would likely have limited benefit. If they are able to work in their field without the knowledge gained in college, then we should do away with that requirement and move to apprenticeships.
"maybe it should take 6-8 years after all."
This has multiple negative economic effects, such as delaying family and decreasing g retirement savings compounding.
"The quality of an average graduate would be immense, and future earning abilities would be equally increased."
I highly doubt this. Without the qualifications to work in their field, they would likely have limited benefit. If they are able to work in their field without the knowledge gained in college, then we should do away with that requirement and move to apprenticeships.