To put things into some kind of context regarding degrees in my own opinion -
My wife has 2 x BSc, 1 x Masters, and 1 x PhD.
I have zero degree's, and 2 x barely passed A-Levels.
We both earn the same amount (well into the 40% tax bracket), and are both considered to be serious professionals.
For every job that needs a degree, there will be another that needs an apprenticeship.