"Perhaps examinations should carry a modest fee, but why isn't more going into not just open courseware, but open degree programs?"
"Grading" is really the only thing you are paying for, at this point.
Many of the most prestigious institutions have put their lectures and course materials on line for free.
But it doesn't do you much good to go to an employer and say "I went through all of the materials for all of the courses needed to get this MIT degree, and understood all of it, honest! So you should give me equal consideration as an MIT graduate!"
The employer will be much more likely to hire the candidate who they can verify completed all of the degree requirements by just contacting MIT.
"Grading" is really the only thing you are paying for, at this point.
Many of the most prestigious institutions have put their lectures and course materials on line for free.
But it doesn't do you much good to go to an employer and say "I went through all of the materials for all of the courses needed to get this MIT degree, and understood all of it, honest! So you should give me equal consideration as an MIT graduate!"
The employer will be much more likely to hire the candidate who they can verify completed all of the degree requirements by just contacting MIT.