The mentality of "go to college and get a good job" was from the days when a desk job meant regular hours and cushy pay, and any variety of blue collar job was dirty, sweaty, back breaking labor.
Nowadays, a desk job means insane levels of stress, 24/7 availability, and the looming threat of layoffs whenever the CEO sneezes. All for a salary that hasn't risen significantly (unless you're at the top of your field) in 20 years. And blue collar workers are able to demand 6-figure salaries, work only when they want, and have some regions of the US offering incentive packages to relocate and work there.
Which sounds like the smart choice?