[mmt]

So you would take a bet on a science/engineering degree? And hope that after 4years of a degree, and another 3-5years to get the professional certification your job won't just be off-shore?

Yes, because the material is useful for something other than working for someone else.

Or better still - skip college, learn to be a plumber.

No argument at all. I've always thought learning a trade to be a far more respectable route than an impractical degree.