Most fathers in the same situation would either want to live vicariously through their children's lives or sponge off their backs, but your father, he's just trying to protect you.
As a result, they have lost the parachute they once had in times of financial setback - a back-up earner (usually Mom) who could go into the workforce if the primary earner got laid off or fell sick.
Speaking of making money, people tend to think of Harvard Business School. The same is true of Harvard Kennedy School respecting to politics. Therefore, it seems that Harvard is a shortcut to secular success.