I'm for higher learning (but Universities are not always the place where that happens anymore) and I think critical thinking is a valuable skill to attain but can it be learned elsewhere?
My dad was the first in his family to go to university and that is why he was such a firm believer in education and wanted all his kids to have the chance to go to university or college too but I think the educational system has changed since that time dad went and I really don't think you are truly being educated in the best way possible there.