[ThomPete]

Compared to where? Denmark? Sweden? Norway?

You seem to be forgetting that the US system is based around money first and foremost.

If you have money you will be able to attend the right university.

Of course their social status is not the only reason but it's a big part of it and especially the fact that it's very hard to get out of your social-economic status. Add to that an industry that actually makes money when people go to jail and you have the perfect spiral.