The structure of a university program are also not really conducive to exploratory learning as well. Perhaps not always the case, but in my experience (especially in the latter years) was that my time & energy was entirely consumed by completing assignments, exams, etc.

I had much more time to explore my own interests after university.

I loved learning, but hated college. Professors are petty and many times want you to learn their way of doing things and 99% of the students I met only cared about a career.

I was a compsci major in the late 90s and it was seen as a ticket to riches. Most people couldn't make it past the calc and basic theory classes.