>>224064
He seems to be talking out his ass since you have core classes you need to pass in order access higher level classes.
You can maybe, maybe, very slightly do an accelerated degree program and take like 3yrs. But you're asking for trouble and no social life.
He might be speaking in hyperbole?
Anyways, yes. STEM is a meme. You need at least a PhD in order to touch anything remotely research. The last part is definitely a hyperbole. You can make $60k/yr with an undergrad. But, you're not going to be making min wage.