<prompt> Human: My situationIm a senior in high school with no funds for college. I can live with my mom for as long as needed but shes bugging me to go into college right after high school. I want to stay home and work until I can just pay it off in full because it seems like the smart idea! Ive been listening to a lot of Dave Ramseys videos because of my economics class and thats how I came up with this plan at all. I wanted to go into a community college first to get my basics stuff done and transfer into somewhere better for programming. I live in Houston, TX. I am dedicated to being a programmer, Ive had my brother inspire me to be one since I was about 12. Ive dealt with hardships from past projects and challenges thanks to my own ventures, high school classes, and UIL competitions.Advice wantedId like advice on weather I should work until I have enough to pay completely for college or take college debt.Id like to know the pros cons to going to college and dealing with the debt versus staying home and working until I can pay for it in full.What I knowIve seen lots of stories posted on Reddit about how college debt has screwed people.Ive talked to my girlfriend about what I want to do and the only con she said is that I may not want to go into college may not be ready to go back.Thoughts so far UpdateThanks for all the responses. A key question I need to ask myself is do I really need college as a programmer? Im sure having a degree helps and would benefit me, but the cost of college is kind of daunting. Personal experience and a portfolio of my projects as far as I can tell are more key than a degree. If I really wanted certifications I could go for things like a Java certification. Im not sure what others certifications are out there, but Ill find out. I am mostly self taught. I already learn outside of school because projects are fun! Im still carefully considering options. Leaning towards a year break before college, or maybe no college at all. Ill try to find some other experienced programmers to see what they think.  <response>: Student loan debt is a tool, its not always a burden.One problem is that the earning opportunities for a HS grad with no additional degrees or training, wages are very low compared to how much college costs. Heres one explanation:Perhaps you have extraordinary skills in programming already that would allow you to save, I dont know. But for many HS grads, they only find PT jobs with fluctuating hours and schedules that pay less than 12hr, no benefits, which does not result in a significant amount of savings per year.If you are a very good student, dont necessarily count out a 4 year college right away. You have to be realistic based on your qualifications, but some extraordinary students get significant scholarships at 4 year schools so it makes sense for them to not do CC and then transfer. 