Too many businesses want you to have four year college degrees, which necessitates building a debt of $40 grand or more.
Many young people might be willing to start at the bottom, but they cannot afford to do so.
Agreed, that's why all of the non-entry level positions that I hire for ask for "BS in XXXX, or equivalent experience".
Now, the question is, how do you get experience? That's stickier, but I'd start with volunteering, attending user groups, network network network, and so on.
I'm in IT, and one of the questions I always ask at entry level interviews is, "How many computers do you have at home?" "Zero" is the wrong answer.
"One" or "Two" is adequate. The correct answer is "Twelve, but most of them are torn apart and in a box under my bed. Man, let me tell ya about this sweet setup I have....."