I'm sure your statistics are airtight, but I think the context of your last question is a bit misleading:

> In Germany, learning a trade pays you. In America, it costs you. What does the average US student graduate owing — before interest?

In the german apprenticeship system, you're paid to work, starting with a low salary, because you're learning on the job. You're also going to school at the same time (one or two days per week), but you aren't paid for that.

[dead]