<prompt> Human: First of all, hi, how are you guys, I never thought Id have to make a post here, but Im kinda freaking out. If this isnt the right sub for this, Im really sorry. So, about me: like I said, Im 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, Ive worked for my dad, but since we only make enough to barely scrape by, I dont get paid. Ive 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. Im 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, Ill go there. I dont 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. Its in a lovely town, and Ive 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 havent been able to get a paying job, I havent been able to save up money, or put money toward anything substantial like a car. My family doesnt have any money. Im completely on my own on this one. So, I know Im going to throw myself into mega student loan debt to make this happen, if its even possible. I know absolutely nothing about student loans. Also, I live in Utah, but I dont 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 795semester but they require meal plans, so that would ultimately cost more. Ideally, Id 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 its in, and its very affordable, so Id love to livework there. The other university is still an option, but its really not ideal. Its closer to my family, and theres a lot more stuff in that town, I just... dont like it. Theres just something about it that really bothers me, and I know Im just being an idiot, but I really dont want to go there. But, Im a grown-up, so Ill go there if its my only option; if anything, Ill just save up when I can and transfer to the other university later on.I cant 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 cant drive to a job because I dont have a license. Or a car. Im very, very interested in pursuing a Criminal Justice degree. Honestly, its my dream to be able to do that kind of work. But, I know thats not wise, because those jobs dont pay well and are hard to come by. Other than that... I dont know, Ive always really enjoyed history? Maybe I could teach history? Though I doubt that pays well, either. Im also really interested in legal stuff, but I dont think Im 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? Im just starting to freak out a little. Maybe its because I cant stand living here anymore and Im desperate to get out on my own, I just dont know where to even start. If you have any questions, please let me know; I assume Ill be around for another hour or two, since writing this whole thing got me really upset. Edit: Holy shit, my dudes... I went to bed last night when this had just under 50 replies, now its at almost 400... needless to say, I did not expect this kind of response. I havent had a chance yet to read more than a couple replies or messages, but Ill be going through them now!! After reading the replies I got last night, I went to bed so happy and hopeful and just excited about the future, which is a first for me. I have a lot to go through and consider, but I feel so much better from how I did when I made this post. Thank you guys so much for all the support and responses!!!Edit 2: This is getting crazy. I am so, so grateful for all of the replies and advice. Let me clear some things up real quick:1. Because Im pretty sure at least 100 of these comments are telling me to enlist: I am considering joining the military! I started considering it months ago when I first started to believe that I couldnt go to college. I actually went in and spoke to an army recruiter back in June, and basically all he said was to come back when I get my GED. It quelled my excitement a bit Id done a ton of research beforehand, so I knew that I needed my GED, I just wanted to ask some questions.. but Im still definitely considering it. I guess my only question is whether or not Im capable. Im relatively healthy a bit overweight, but otherwise fine, Ive stayed away from smokingdrugsalcohol, and I understand how beneficial military experience is; not just for the sweet, sweet college benefits, but also in terms of discipline, and lifejob experience. However, Im not tough. Im a strict rule-follower, and I always follow orders, buuut I cry when I get yelled at, and Im terrified of making mistakes. Military Police is what I told the recruiter I was interested in, but Id like to explore my options more. Im not entirely sure what branch Id like to join. I just assumed Army, because I know other branches can be much harder to get into, especially because Ill only have a GED. I know the Air Force is the dream branch or we, but I really, really dont think itd be possible for me. Theyre not exactly pressed for new recruits, and I assume theyre very, very picky.2. The schools in question are DSU and SUU! I want to go to SUU, but Ill go to DSU if I have to. I live about an hour away from both schools, which is why theyre the only two Im considering. However, I guess I should also consider schools further north in the state. Also, Im not interested in BYU. Im not LDS, and although I dont think Id do anything against their honor code, I dont really want to go to a very religious school. Also, theyd have to pry my caffeinated beverages from my cold, dead fingers. 3. Due to the fact that I havent gone to school in Utah more than a couple months we moved here 6-ish years ago, from Idaho, I have literally no friends in the area. This has put me in a really weird situation, where I have no idea how to interact with people my age. Basically, Im socially awkward as hell. Im now getting used to doing adult stuff, like making phone calls and going to the DMV, but I guess Im that stereotypical weird home-schooled kid minus the home-school. Thats why Im excited about college. Not only am I looking forward to getting started on a career that yes, I do need to figure out as soon as possible, but the experience is also very important to me. I missed out on being a teenager; that doesnt mean Im going to be stupid and reckless and blow all my money on partying and alcohol, I just want to have a good, fun, meaningful experience. 4. My home situation isnt dire. Its not abusive, and were not going to be homeless soon. I mentioned that our landlord is kicking us out: hes selling our house. We dont know any more than that; we only found out yesterday. We already have a good option or two for where well go, and my sister and her fiance are the ones who pay the rent they both have decent jobs, and theyve got this covered. I just cant stand living at home any more. Like I said before, its a very small house that I have to share with eight people well, two of them are 2 years old or younger. Its just taking a toll on me, emotionally. Thats why Im choosing the option that gets me out of here as soon as possible, and why Im extremely hesitant to go to the community college first. I know, it could save thousands of dollars, but I dont know if its worth the mental breakdown that living at home is going to give me. also, for those wondering how the hell it works: I share a room with my two little sisters. They have a bunk-bed, I have a mattress that slides under the bunk-bed when not in use.My first step is getting my GED. I know. Im currently working on getting into that GED prep class, so hopefully Ill be getting it fairly soon. Im just trying to get ready for what comes after, because as soon as Im able to, I want to get this started. Anyway, the response to this has been absolutely unbelievable. I had no idea I would get this many responses. Ive really enjoyed reading all your replies and stories!! Im starting to feel so much more confident in this. Im blowing kisses in all of your general directions.Edit 3: Okay, it seems like things have died down here, so Im not sure how many people will see this. The response has been unbelievable. You guys are the best. I definitely have a lot more options than I realized. For now, Im going to be working on getting my GED. Ill be going down to the community college in the next few days to get signed up for at least GED classes, and Ill see what options I have for afterward. Im also planning on contacting local Navy and Air Force recruiters to explore my options in the military. Quite a few people have said to avoid the Army, because it wont be right for me. I understand, but I dont want people to think that Im choosing the Navy or Air Force because Im afraid of hard work. I intended to join the Army specifically because of their very wide range of job opportunities that aligned with my own interests. I understand that Im not Army material I mean, come on, Im 5 1.... Theres a difference between being afraid of hard work, and being physically incapable of hard work, and Im neither of those things. However, I just want to end up working where I can use my own personal strengths, rather than trying to fill a role that just isnt right for me. Regardless, Ill still consider the Army, but Ill be exploring my options with the Navy, and possibly Air Force, as well. Anyway, the response to this has been absolutely unbelievable. Seriously, I expected to end up with -2 points and a dont be an idiot comment. You guys have all been so nice, and honest, and helpful. I was so afraid of the future until now. I did read through every reply and personal message I think and Im taking everything into consideration. I still have a long way to go before either college or the military, but Ill keep all this information in mind. Thank you guys so much for everything. I want to put those little heart symbols, but I think thatd screw up the formatting. Just imagine a bunch of hearts here, because you guys are amazing and I love you.Assistant: i dont have money advice but id just like to applaud you for pursuing your education : i hope it works out for you Human: awww thank you!!! after reading some of the other comments here, Im starting to get really excited about this! I first decided that I wanted to go to college almost a year ago, but that dream was absolutely crushed within a week, when I realized that it just wouldnt be feasible. I was absolutely devastated. But now Im starting to believe that it is possible. Now my dreams are back on track! Im probably not going to be able to pursue my dream career, but thats okay. Im excited, no matter what!  <response>: Remember, there will always be someone or something out there trying to crush your dreams. Its up to you whether or not theyre successful.Dont worry about setbacks, just keep moving. 