Changes

Organization (2002) [http://www.escwa.org.lb/information/publications/edit/upload/tech-02-02.pdf UN]. Accessed 2 February 2008</ref>

Organization (2002) [http://www.escwa.org.lb/information/publications/edit/upload/tech-02-02.pdf UN]. Accessed 2 February 2008</ref>

However, the idea that higher education through colleges is necessary productivity and higher income is challenged by many. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2008 the average college graduate made $46,000 while the average plumber made $49,200, the average electrician $44,000, the average HVAC tech $47,000 and the average carpenter $42,940. In addition, only 35 percent of students earn a diploma in four years, and just 52 percent graduate in six, with the national college-dropout rate being 65 percent.<ref>http://www.rep-am.com/articles/2010/02/27/opinion/469171.txt</ref> "Blue collar" tradesmen are also not burdened with years of college debt, nor do they add to the national debt by going into public service in order to have their student loans "forgiven" after 10 years of employment therein (with 120 continuous payments).<ref>[http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-24922.pdfSection 685.219—Public Service Loan, p. 15.27]</ref>

However, the idea that higher education through colleges is necessary for greater productivity and higher income is challenged by many. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2008 the average college graduate made $46,000 while the average plumber made $49,200, the average electrician $44,000, the average HVAC tech $47,000 and the average carpenter $42,940. In addition, only 35 percent of students earn a diploma in four years, and just 52 percent graduate in six, with the national college-dropout rate being 65 percent.<ref>http://www.rep-am.com/articles/2010/02/27/opinion/469171.txt</ref> "Blue collar" tradesmen are also not burdened with years of college debt, nor do they add to the national debt by going into public service in order to have their student loans "forgiven" after 10 years of employment therein (with 120 continuous payments).<ref>[http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-24922.pdfSection 685.219—Public Service Loan, p. 15.27]</ref>

==Political stability and democracy==

==Political stability and democracy==