Started back in the 1970s. Before that time period, high schools were producing electricians, carpenters, mechanics, and welders etc: All those skills were abundant in need. In the early 70's the push for white-collar jobs began. Then something else occurred. Administrators and professors realized they could attract more dollars by offering useless degrees. Not degrees to fill the needs in the marketplace. Just those that raised their salaries with no thought of what society needed.