[fsckboy]

Out of 10 siblings in my grandfather's family, only 5 lived.

the eldest, my grandfather, was sent to America on his own at age 14 to work and send money home. college? who's got time to finish high school?

[mbajkowski]

Yup. Also elementary school was often fewer grades than it is today. It was the norm to finish your education after elementary school to help the farm/household. Individuals, especially from the country side, were an exception to finish secondary education and go on to college.