<prompt> Human: I am enrolled in a state university starting this year, however I just got my financial aid award that consists of 4500 in subsidized loans, and 6000 in un-subsidized loans. Nothing from FAFSA, nothing from the state, just 10.5k worth of debt. This seems to be the worst outcome ive ever had from trying to go back to school.My income for last year was 25,500, so I am 5500 past being eligible for Pell Grants, and am not eligible for State Need grants.The income treshold for pell grants is roughty 20k a year, and state need grants I qualify for but the school never told me they would run out of funds 2 months ago.I may be getting a scholarship but its a fraction of the cost of tuition. I can afford to pay for some of the cost on my own but not anything close to 10,000, that doesnt even include housing or any other costs.I live paycheck to paycheck and only get 80 of what I earn in my check which is about 300 working 20-30 hours a week, so my option is to work less and take on a lot of debt just to get started? Is taking on this debt a smart or foolish thing to do? How can I pay for my education without this huge debt?Assistant: Depends what you are majoring in. Comp sci? Youll be fine and the 40k of debt will be paid off in 2-3 years. Art degree? RunLook at what the average starting salary is for the field you are looking at and what the chance of you getting a job in that field is. If its more then the debt youd be taking on then you are probably in a good place and itd be worth it to take on the debt provided that you can most likely get a job.In reality 40k to go to college isnt that insane. Its not great but its not an insurmountable amount either. Human: yes its computer science but not sure about the reputation as its a cheaper easier to get into public university.UNDERGRAD TUITION 2,350.68 feesAccount Balance: 2,621.91Books: 300scholarship that will hopefully pay 1700 for 2015-2016. that would bring down my cost to about 2500 per quarter for tuition and books. tax credit would be maxed at 1000 leaving a 6500 hole. im just really afraid of being broke and depending on loans to survive.  <response>: Reputation doesnt really matter that much. Degrees in comp sci are good regardless of how prestigious the school is.As long as it isnt a for-profit school, youll be good. 