[gtpasqual]

>like in most other countries

For most of the world, with "trade track", you make "ends meat" for the country (developing world included).

That's why you see such a mindblowing competition for Chinese students to graduate from good colleges.

[sokoloff]

There are many marginal college students in the US who would be far better off becoming plumbers, electricians, or auto techs than going to college, IMO.

Problem is many people look down on these blue-collar skilled trades and college is seen as the way up.