It's not about "The School" it's about "The Football Program".
Not getting the education piece is NOT an option at ND, while it is an option at virtually all of the big boy football programs.
A kid who has the self discipline to still do their school work while everyone around them is banging the program hookers, wrecking lambos, and skipping class, can get a great education at almost every college in America.
But the big boy football programs are not holding their feet to the fire to get their degree (they only care that they stay eligible) and they certainly aren't holding out star players from playing just because they aren't on pace to graduate in 4 years.
They aren't the same. Don't try to pretend they are.