Are you kidding? An educated citizenry is one of the most important things a society can have. The "better job, better salay, more respect" to which you refer are all functions of the value that you provide to the community.
Better in a moral sense or some abstract notion of the word? They very well may not be, the connection is murky certainly.
Better in the sense of being more valuable to society? That is often obvious. While a brick layer may be a fine and noble man who truly contributes to society, I think it is safe to say that the doctor's contribution is more valuable.
Also, when talking about a democracy, the people are meant to play a role in the governance. An educated populus will play that role better and make better choice in who they elect for leadership and what ballot measures to support.
On average, an educated person will contribute more to the governance and more to the economy than a less educated person. This does not make them morally better or better in the eyes of God, but it does make them more valuable citizens.
