Going to College

What is the purpose of 'college'?  We took our son to college today.  Anticipating the event, I asked myself what the purpose of doing this is.  In part to remind myself; in part to admonish him -- at the end of the day, what is this whole thing for?

I got it down this far:  Going to college is an opportunity.

An opportunity to:

• become a professional in some skill-set 
• develop more awareness -- of one's self, of others, of the world
• fit the 3 together from a deeper awareness of God

How would you describe it?  What do you see as the purpose of 'going to college'?