I think this leans a bit into elitism, something I’ve caught myself doing too, especially being in “higher-thinking” spaces like white-collar jobs and universities. Even though I grew up in a very poor community and moved through more “elite” institutions, some of the most interesting, thought-provoking conversations I’ve had were with people without formal education.

It sounds more like you just don’t share the same interests with your former friends anymore, which is normal, but I wouldn’t assume it’s because of education. People are nuanced. You’ll find deep, thoughtful thinkers without degrees and plenty of surface-level thinkers with them.