A lot of what's being said in this thread is what I have been saying for years. Stop looking down on blue-collar workers. Stop making all kids feel as if college is the only path to success. Stop the insane student loan cycle of debt.
My boss has an interesting idea, one that I didn't buy into at first, but the more he says it the more it makes a bit of sense. Colleges should charge tuition based on the expected salary of the degree. This would also help to direct more money to college programs that could then raise the wages and get more qualified teachers in expert fields.