Sorry I think my meaning was lost. I agree with you. Technically the value of a human being can only be computed by calculating the value of the elements we are composed of based on their presence in the human body. I meant the value of a human being in terms of the investment a company is making into you as an employee. There's a lot more to your pay package than your hourly wage or salary. There's benefits, vacation, perks, expense accounts, insurance, 401k, and any stock options/dividends/profit sharing that you are eligible for. All of that is what you are paid. Having a 4 year degree and a high GPA (3.0+ necessary to work for most reputable companies, 3.5+ necessary to work for some of the best) increases your value to employers.
Very much focused on the high end. Median wage for my degree is 98,000 in the area I live in but the cost of living is under the national average. The position I took is to get my foot into the door and explore something a bit different from what I studied. I'm kind of broadening my IT experience like any IT professional should.
That being said, $15 an hour is kind of low depending on the job specifics... But experience is experience. A job is a job. You get back what you put in so always do your best and don't be afraid to accept another higher paying position if that one turns into a dead end. Build your network at that job definitely though.