I think this problem comes from something a little deeper. The U.S. is still very classist, giving prestige to "white collar" jobs, and considering "blue collar" work to be inferior. I think college education is often thought of as a means to "white collar" work.

Anecdotally, I think these tides may be slowly changing. I feel like a lot of people are beginning to see the value in craft (bakers, mechanics, carpenters, beer brewers, etc.)