Part of the college process should be an education about the realities of given majors (in terms of careers, job opportunities, advancement possibilities, benefits, etc.) and given college debt loads. Kids entering college today have had the “gotta go to college” mantra repeated over and over to them since birth. Just go to college and get a degree…any degree… and you will be fine. 40 years ago, that was true. Its much less true today.
Ultimately its on the student and his/her parents to find this info and make decisions based on it. But schools should provide a lot more info than they do.
Another factor is the benefit of various colleges. Depending on your major/career goals, where you go to college will not matter a great deal. But the cost/debt loads post-grad will often be very different. Though colleges have a conflict in terms of providing this type of info.
Mentoring programs are also key (and this is not just true for minorities). Allow kids to see role models in various careers/professions that they may not otherwise see. Help them see what those careers/professions are like and what it takes to get there.
Teacher salaries vary by state. Overall, I think the “teachers are underpaid” line is much less true than it was 30-40 years ago. There are many states with average teacher salaries in excess of $50k/year (with certain districts in certain states well north of that). Based on the number of days/hours worked and the benefits provided, that is a pretty good job for most people (puts you above average income levels – and have husband/wife both as teachers and you are doing pretty well). But ultimately its a matter of supply and demand.