However, if playing a sport professionally doesn't work out and they are unable to get a job either because they dropped out before graduating or their degree doesn't help them get a job (i.e. flippin' burgers at Sonic), then there is a part of me that sees their time at said institution as being a "waste." Also, I may even wonder if they "deserved" to be at that university/college in the first place or if the only reason they were at the school was just to play a sport.

Honestly, I would be fine if all the schools decided they wanted all their sports to be professional. At least that way everyone knows the players are their to do a job. If they want to get a degree while at the school, then great. If not, then that is their choice to not take advantage of the opportunity given. At least it would eliminate the mask of being a student first and an athlete second. In some cases, I think student-athletes may be an athlete first and a student second and someone always finds a way to keep the player eligible until he/she can go pro or use up his/her eligibility.