GA in the US was pumping during the GFC (relative to Australia, who wasn't as affected by the GFC). It is even more so pumping.
To blame anything on FEE-HELP is just a whinge, Americans can access the equivalent of FEE-HELP, even with this impost they have to build 1500 hours prior to real employment. There is no shortage of sponsors for these schemes. Australian employers are short term whingers who will not invest a cent in a potential employee.
I know what you're going to reply with,
Chicken or the egg!