It's my hypothesis that as you rise through the academic ranks (i.e., from kindergarten through gradual school etc.) that you are given increasing independence to forge your own path, but one of the paths open to you is mediocrity. You can arrange matters so that you're virtually guaranteed to receive a degree for mediocre work, and to graduate with no prospects.

I don't want to sound like an "internet tough guy" but rising up above that level is laid on the student to pursue.

Sorry, I had to edit this again. I have a PhD in physics. My dire warning to graduate students is: You might be given a degree even if you didn't do PhD level work. I hope that's sobering, but at the same time motivating.