It helps you get ahead with other applicants if you're a new grad. It's also your ticket to be qualified to apply at top corporate institutions, then you don't have to work your butt off for at least 2 years working at call centers just to prove you have the ability and the skills. I tell you it is worth it, if you are gifted with an intelligent mind do your best in school, you'll reap the benefits and you won't regret it especially if we talk about working in PI. Top companies discriminate over grades and which school you came from. If you want to make money and be successful, college grades is absolutely the start to reach that ambition.