First of all, hi, how are you guys, I never thought I'd have to make a post here, but I'm kinda freaking out. If this isn't the right sub for this, I'm really sorry.
So, about me: like I said, I'm 18. I live with my parents (and 2 little sisters, one older sister, her fiance, and their two kids). We live in a 3 bedroom house in the middle of absolute nowhere. My family is broke. For the last four years, I've worked for my dad, but since we only make enough to barely scrape by, I don't get paid. I've been fine with not getting paid; I know that taking care of the family is more important. However, this has rendered me unable to get another job, and I never went to high school. I'm hoping get my GED soon (taking classes at a nearby community college), and after that, I want to go to college.
There are two universities nearby, both about an hour away. One of these is one that I would die to get to go to, the other is.... well, if I have to, I'll go there. I don't think either of them are like, prestigious universities or anything, but the one I want to go to is really right for me, I think. It's in a lovely town, and I've been to the campus and I really, really like it. (my dad went there on a music scholarship when he was younger, and he loved it.)
So, money stuff: I have no money. Not a dollar. Since I haven't been able to get a (paying) job, I haven't been able to save up money, or put money toward anything substantial (like a car). My family doesn't have any money. I'm completely on my own on this one. So, I know I'm going to throw myself into mega student loan debt to make this happen, if it's even possible. I know absolutely nothing about student loans.
Also, I live in Utah, but I don't know if that matters.
According to the website for the university I want to go to, the costs will be: $2,887 per semester (based on taking 10-18 credit hours per semester), $378 in "student fees", and the cheapest on-campus housing would be $1,275 per semester.
The other university, according to their website: $2,419.76 (for 12-20 credit hours, including fees), $1,225 for the cheapest on-campus housing. There are cheaper options on campus ($795/semester) but they require meal plans, so that would ultimately cost more.
Ideally, I'd go to my university of choice, and live on campus for maybe a semester or two, and find a job in town so that I can start saving and get an apartment off-campus. I love the town it's in, and it's very affordable, so I'd love to live/work there.
The other university is still an option, but it's really not ideal. It's closer to my family, and there's a lot more stuff in that town, I just... don't like it. There's just something about it that really bothers me, and I know I'm just being an idiot, but I really don't want to go there. But, I'm a grown-up, so I'll go there if it's my only option; if anything, I'll just save up when I can and transfer to the other university later on.
I can't really get a job right now, because like I said, I live in the middle of absolute nowhere. I applied to the one business within 30 miles and was immediately rejected, and I can't drive to a job because I don't have a license. Or a car.
I'm very, very interested in pursuing a Criminal Justice degree. Honestly, it's my dream to be able to do that kind of work. But, I know that's not wise, because those jobs don't pay well and are hard to come by. Other than that... I don't know, I've always really enjoyed history? Maybe I could teach history? Though I doubt that pays well, either. I'm also really interested in legal stuff, but I don't think I'm smart enough for law school.
Sorry, this is getting a little ramble-y.
My question is: Is this even remotely possible? If I take out student loans, would I even be close to being able to afford to go to one of these schools? Or should someone come over, whack me upside the head with a rolled up newspaper, and give me a serious reality check?
I'm just starting to freak out a little. Maybe it's because I can't stand living here anymore and I'm desperate to get out on my own, I just don't know where to even start. If you have any questions, please let me know; I assume I'll be around for another hour or two, since writing this whole thing got me really upset.
Submitted February 22, 2017 at 03:19AM by gr324221 http://ift.tt/2m6OGpa
