Intellectually and emotionally satisfying. . .but financially ruinous (in the short term). . .

It certainly does give the graduate a sense of accomplishment.  The college graduate can usually say that no matter how adverse is the future, with a college degree, you usually can only sink so far.

I would say graduating from college is more an emotionally rewarding experience. Nevertheless, it is still an emotionally satisfying experience because of all the hard work and effort you put into it. Whether it is taking courses towards your major, or studying and doing assignments/labs with others who become your lifelong friends and associates, or even sharing the ups and downs of college life, finally going up to the podium in your cap and gown on graduation day and getting that diploma (while your parents and family members cheer you on) is something no one really ever forgets.

Graduating from college leads to new stresses like what am I going to do now, but the most important thing is knowing that you can call yourself a graduate and not have any more assignments or classes left to deal with.