Education, it is not only easier to get into college, but more people go to college. There are more college grads now then 20 years ago or 10 years ago. Manufacturing jobs are a thing of the past as people move into better paying and more skilled positions. There's a severe shortage of physicians in certain fields and there's a nursing shortage. The cost of education is irrelevant because nearly everyone can qualify for school loans. The fact is if you go to school and study you will get into college and if you can't afford it you can load up with school loans (just like I did). It's more than anecdotal evidence.