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I think it all comes down to the attitude regarding education in this country. Until arriving in college it wasn't perceived as "cool" to do well in class. The students, as well as our culture in general, continues to label intelligence and a desire to do well in class as nerdy and/or geeky. Look back to the countries that produced that great scientific thinkers of the twentieth century, Germany, Poland, Austria, Britain. The scientists of that era were treated like the rock stars of today. People recognized them whereever they went and they were renowned for their accomplishments. Thus, people had real incentive besides money to go to school and succeed. The culture promoting intelligence and academia was what made their education system so good.
This type of culture doesn't exist in America. For instance, how many people can name a well-known (in scientific circles) contemporary scientist. Very few I'd wager. This has lead to an apathy regarding education and now even common reading and writing. How many people do you know who take pride in how they don't read? I know too many. Most homes I visit have very few books in them, and if there are books, it is usually the bible. I'm sure quite a few of you have noticed this as well. With academia pushed out of view of the mainstream, I'm not sure this will change in the near future either.
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