What is success of failure of education closely tied to

I think the best answer I have for you would be this;

Just because you are educated, it does not mean you are successful. Quite the opposite actually.  One who knows how to read a doesn't read, is just as successful as one who cannot read.  The smarter you become, the more you begin to realize that, there is always more to learn.  Always be humble and teachable.  

Nm-us history and geography