Re:you get what you pay for... (Score 1)

Hey, I've seen another mention on here, but if you're looking for another free-to-all-accepted engineering (and art, and architecture), a fine (if rare) example is The Cooper Union in NYC. Given, you have to manage rent in the NYC area (probably about the cost tuition for many in-state state schools), but it's a pretty top-notch program for free.

The humanities requirements aren't huge (average of about 1 class a semester), but there are some good ones. Plus if you're ambitious, you can even sign up for a couple of classes in the art department (I took photo my last semester).

As for the market value, I'm pretty certain at least all the engineering grads in my class did well for themselves. And as for motives, never underestimate the power of the occasional philanthropist. And yes, no one's ever heard of it, and yes, I'm an alum ('97, Chemical Engineering).