There does seem to be a general idea that college is the ONLY way to a successful life. I don't know if that's so true anymore, particularly with the insanely spiraling costs of a university education. It may help you get the job you want but you may be greatly burdened by college debt for too many years for it to have nearly the cost/benefit ratio it once did.
Also, a traditional college education isn't the only type of continuing education that can create careers. There are a lot of trade schools where people can go to learn skills for careers that may be less glamorous but are vital to the economy. I mean, my plumber makes a decent living and certainly doesn't have a Masters in Plumbology but he didn't come out of high school knowing everything a plumber needs to know to make a living. He went to a trade school and learned not only plumbing-specific skills but some basic business management skills that helped him start and run a successful business.
Yes, we need to churn out more scientists, engineers, doctors, educators and the like. But we still need good carpenters, plumbers, electricians, car mechanics, welders, hair dressers and other skilled professionals and we should be promoting the educational paths to those types of careers as well.
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