The difference originates from who is paying for the college. In the United States, the consumer has a direct choice on the college selection process and the pa

The difference originates from who is paying for the college. In the United States, the consumer has a direct choice on the college selection process and the payment process. These choices force the provider, college, to identify things to make it a appealing to the consumer; e.g. nice dorms, safe facilities, new books, etc. In Germany and France, the college is paid for directly by the government. The most effort is made to reduce costs where possible, including delaying the purchase of new books, dorm room upgrades / accomodations, and infrastructure. There needs to be a middle ground between these two methods, the college approach in Europe produces people who were developed from middle school for college, those who were not college material were moved into technical schools or apprenticeships; but it lacks ability to change course in later years easily. The American system of college takes everyone who can tie their shoes if they can afford it, some blossom within a college environment and prove their guidance counselors wrong.