A few people have noted that college wasn't/isn't worth is. I guess it depends on the school, but typically I would disagree with the sentiment.
My college roommates/neighbors remain to this day my closest friends. We were all in each other's weddings and we get together twice a year. Once in early summer at the beach and once in the fall for a hunting trip. No exceptions; all 10 of us.
Could the education be a bit more applicable? Yes, of course. But the people you meet and "out of class" living/decisions makes for a a great 4 years. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I can't speak to the liberal nature of things; Davidson was much more conservative than other colleges/universities.
