I wouldn't blame Higher Ed for that failure here in the US. Periods of shaky economy, the (often widely-denied) US class system, and the here-today, gone-tomorr

I wouldn't blame Higher Ed for that failure here in the US. Periods of shaky economy, the (often widely-denied) US class system, and the here-today, gone-tomorrow results of Congressional help are bigger culprits. Choosing a 4-year school over a 2-year one means losing 2 more years of employment. To a young adult that can't afford (or their family can't) that sacrifice, a 2-year makes a lot of sense. There was a time (1970-80) when work-study programs earning decent minimum-wages helped lower that barrier. But over time, the minimum wages failed to go up ... and the once widely-available scholarships were not renewed. On top of that, the 4-year degree can make it harder to find employment ... especially in rural areas. Not only are there fewer rural jobs for 4-year grads, but if potential employers see that 4-year, they may figure you'll run out on them ASAP. You could get a 2-year, get a job and get stabilized and then go back for two more years. If you have no or few kids, that might be a safer route. And by that time, you'll have more reasons to pick the right major.