I don't know what it's like elsewhere, but in the UK over the last few decades there has been an enormous push to get everyone in to universities and qualified up to the hilt. In addition, as well as an A grade in secondary-school/college qualifications an A* grade has also been introduced. The net effect of getting as many people through the university system is effectively negating the credibility of a degree because so many people have them now which is diluting their value.
Of course, you're still a more worthy contender for a job if all things being equal, you have a degree and your competition for the role doesn't, BUT from personal experience, I've seen 10 people apply for a lowly admin role, all exceptionally qualified - over qualified, and yet 9 of those people will not get the job, and the 1 that does is taking a low-end role due to the fierce competition higher up the ladder which is now only accessible with relevant experience too.
The irony is that for the first time in 24 years the results dropped, and there has been uproar.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-19349444I can't understand it myself how a qualification has any value when almost everyone has it and there is a societal expectation for the pass rate to increase every single year for a quarter of a century. My equivalent qualification is now 15+yrs old and is seemingly worthless.
