Yeah, people conflate colleges with trade schools. That's because there isn't much in the way of trade schools here in the USA. Some overpriced private trade schools are often exposed as frauds, and the few legitimate trade schools are often stigmatized and marginalized.

I often encounter students who don't seem to care about learning. They just want that certificate or diploma so they can get a decent indoor job. It's a rare treat to encounter a student who actually wants to learn.

I'm sorry to hear what happened to you.