When I was in grad school, the professors used to say that the smartest scientists worked in academia, while second-rate minds went into industry. My response was, “If they’re so dumb, why are they the ones making money?”
Wendy
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You did not and do not understand and appreciate the truth in what your professors were telling you because your only focus was on money. Money and intelligence are not synonymous.
Your professors were telling you that people in academia can spend more time on their chosen field of science/engineering and be the smartest in the field. When you throw money into the mix you through out the time that scientists/engineers can spend on their field of study.
Scientists/engineers in academia can/do earn extra money by consulting, writing books, and being part of national societies.
Bechtel Power Corporation always consulted with experts at University of California for earthquake engineering, combustion engineering, civil engineering, and nuclear engineering. Westinghouse Electric Corporation had a rotating program to have engineering professors from University of Pittsburgh work with engineers at Westinghouse. Much research was collaborative between Westinghouse, universities and government.
Jaak