You can generalize the countrywide system to create a 'top' to 'bottom' list. While smaller countries have been able to standardized education system across all their schools, it is difficult for bigger countries like Nepal, China and US. There are good schools in Nepal and US as well. If you rank entire countries, Nepal would still be above US in STEM (my guess, please verify)
Bright students who can get into state run medical, engineering, veterinary, forestry, agriculture or other technology schools complete their 4-5 year degrees for less than US$50 up to $500 paid to school + food. Many colleges have accommodations available at nominal cost. Full fee paying students pay a lot more but still way cheaper than what kids pay in the US.
