I’d like to flip the script and say the exact opposite just because you are bright doesn’t mean its college. The cost of college is becoming a tipping point and going for the wrong major is financial suicide if paid for with loans. Just because you went if (your field isn’t the right one) you will not make diddly squat in the real world. Horror stories are just a google search away!
Electricians, PLC technicians, Plumbers, A/C techs, Welders, all can easily make 70-100k+ with 1-2 years at tech school or with solely OJT at the right company.
I just did a programming job for Nestle’ the PLC and Utility techs at that site make over $36/hr, 45-50hrs week these guys are pulling in 90-100k with full benefits etc. (in the south).
When many grads are making 45-50 or 60k with debt, loans, but “I went to fancy LAC or etc” these uncool blue collar jobs are doing very well by most people’s standards. They just don’t sound fancy!
My girls will definitely be college bound, but my son if he doesn’t have a decent idea by senior year more than likely I will encourage him to go towards a trade.