[em-bee]

that is not quite correct. apart from the gymnasium which you enter in 5th grade (not at age 8) there is also the gesamtschule which offers all three kinds of graduations. in a gesamtschule the decision to do the final three years of high school to get the abitur isn't really made until you are in grade 10. so there is absolutely no reason that anyone is prevented from getting into university just because they or their parents didn't decide early enough.

as for the cost of living, there is financial support for everyone who otherwise can't afford it. if the majority of students depend on their parents then thats because those parents can afford it.

but money is not the main reason why most people don't get into university.

germany has other good options for higher education besides university. the USA does not.

it is only natural that most people follow their parents when it comes to higher education. i do not see that as a problem that needs to be solved. it may be beneficial to mix things up a little, but university education is not a panacea, and i'd rather see the reputation and recognition of alternatives increased.