The education system is too expensive and a bit of a scam but does that cause the problems people think it does. Can you make it in the US without a degree?
It's also incredibly complex so perhaps it was a silly thing for me to comment on as I don't think it's that easy to define or measure.
I think the line commentators tend to use is “the American Dream is alive and well, in Denmark”
Absolutely.
* This being HN, I should point you can make it in IT/software without a degree though you must start at the low-end and climb from there.
* Skilled blue collar work has its limits but provides an accessible career more than capable of supporting a family.
* Military service has its drawbacks but has quite cushy benefits.
* For the ambitious, service-based small businesses are easier than ever.
While it's possible to make it in the US without a degree, I'd recommend more of a middle ground of a 2 or 4-year degree from a local college or state school.