I think it there is some blame that goes to the parents too... "you're going to college."1000% agreed. I've said this for years and it's only getting worse.
I do think it's a flaw in the human brain though, and not purposefully being done.
All of the teachers, counselors and advisers that children come into contact with beginning in kindergarten through their senior year in high school, all went to college. Those individuals would have a really hard time admitting that the path they chose may not be the proper path for everyone. It's human nature to not want to be wrong.
Look, not every kid's cut out to be an engineer just like not every kid's cut out to be an electrician. the world takes all kinds and shoe horning people into things they don't need or shouldn't pursue.... well... the consequences are coming to light....