[asphaltgambler]

While there is nothing wrong with learning a 'hands-on' skill in high school; it doesn't translate into a solid career in todays global economy. There are people all over the world immigrating into the US to take advantage of some of the best higher education available. Why? Because those people outside the US are MORE motivated to better themselves and they know higher education is the key.

Like it or not, young people need college in todays world. Where in the past a skilled blue-collar person could achieve the American dream and could sometimes choose between college OR skilled labor training. We need need to impress upon our kids at the youngest of age that college is NOT an elective choice, but the logical next step. College may not be for everyone but the gap in earnings, benefits and a real future ever widens.

Recently, I had spoken with an HR person along these lines and she stated that people WITH a BS in a field related to any position that was being advertised got first shot, even for lower to mid-level opportunities. That where firms use software screening for applicants, if enough % had degrees the ones with-out never made it any further.