Some of the brightest people I met in university, and some of the best lawyers I know, got very mediocre marks.  Given the rise in life expectancy these days I think going to university to learn how to learn (and the schools need to keep this as the focus) and to be exposed to ideas, debate, reasoning, etc. can only be a good thing for the rest of a person's life.

THEN go to college if such a vocation is what appeals to you.  What's wrong with doing both?

In the big scheme of things it's only 3 or 4 years and we will produce thoughtful, knowledgeable citizens with practical skills.