I do not see the uneducated as riff raff. The two have nothing to do with each other, except maybe riff raff have higher percentages of uneducated people than the total population, but I don’t know if even that is true. I know many people who did not finish high school, or who did not go to college, and they are intelligent, hard working, interesting and lovely people. I do not judge someone on their lack of education, I do admit to being impressed by the degrees and knowledge some people have on a variety of topics especially the sciences.
But, one guy I know who never went to college has a business in detailing cars. His knowledge about it is amazing. The different paints, best way to buff, he knows every little thing about it, and turned it into a very successful business. I find that very interesting. That once someone gets involved in a hobby or industry, how a whole world opens up of lingo and learning. The pursuit of knowledge impresses me most, more than the specific topic or whether it is done in a formal institution.
Having said all that, I do think higher education, especially for those who have the intelligence and desire for it, is not easily matched by trying to learn on your own. Plus, the university experience is its own little world you only know if you experience it.