<prompt> Human: I currently have a year and a half left of college. Up until this point my parents have paid for pretty much everything for me. I work in the summers to pay for rent, bills, food, textbooks for fall, etc. But, Im very serious about my studies so my parents and I agreed that during the school year they will pay my way so I can focus on school.This is where it gets complicated - my family life has gone to shambles recently. I found out that my parents are getting divorced, my Dad had an affair, had been abusing my mom, and had pretty much drained all their bank accounts to take care of his much younger side woman. Ive talked to him once since finding out all the details of the divorce and he insists that he will stay pay for everything for me during the school year, but I really dont want to take the money. My parents are completely broke now and I feel uncomfortable getting this much money for them. Also, based on how my Dad acted when we talked I really dont want any contact with him and he managed all the money in the family - my Mom has no idea how finances work. So my questions:Ive started looking into student loans that I could receive to help me live during the school year. I have enough money to get me through September with books, rent, and utilities bills paid for from my summer job. First off, I have no idea how student loans and financial aid work. The FAQ had some good advice and Ive looked at studentloans.gov as well, but its all very overwhelming for me right now. Secondly, and more importantly, do you think Im making a big mistake just because Im very angry right now? I dont want to make a rash decision at this point in my life that I will regret after graduation. Any and all advice or guidance is greatly appreciated!Im sorry this is getting so long - but one last thing. I am in a very good standing in a major with very good job prospects. Im on track to get into a top notch graduate school as I have been able to focus on school, research assistanships, etc. for the past 3 years. I thought this might factor into advice given. Thank you!  <response>: So, you are angry at your dad so you feel like making his life way better by not taking his money? Yes, I think you are making a big mistake. Take the money, and then when you graduate, you can use the cash you would be spending on student loans to help out your mother, who is probably going to be struggling for a while from your description. 