There are many sources of this problem, but I suspect the three that get the least attention are: - parental pressure to attend college - guidance counselors

There are many sources of this problem, but I suspect the three that get the least attention are: - parental pressure to attend college - guidance counselors and school administrators pushing for college - the wholesale destruction of vocational schools As a result, the US K-12 education system produces a never-ending deluge of students who believe their only life option after high school is to get a four year degree. Or joining the military, but that's a different discussion. Like the people in this story, many HS grads study subjects with little economic viability. Why? That's the story I'd like to see. What motivated the choice to waste four or more years and tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars on a credential that will never pay for itself?