You're not that bad off. I know a ton of people who are in more debt than you just by themselves.

Honestly, I think it's ridiculous that we tell 18 year olds to go to these really expensive colleges and get financial aid "counseling" where they basically get pamphlets for different loan companies.

My mom told me it didn't matter where I got in, because I couldn't afford an expensive school. Sallie Mae and other loan vendors require a co-signer (since 18 year olds don't have credit) and my mom flat out refused to sign any private loans. So the only loans I could get were government loans, which are all only in my name. I became an RA at school so I got free room and board, and the government loans covered the tuition and fees. Plus I got a few small academic scholarships in my financial aid package. This wouldn't have come close to covering the costs at a private school.

Now that I'm almost graduating and I'm in the job market, I honestly think it doesn't matter where you go to school. Some schools make it easier to get your foot in the door (if you went to Harvard) but really, most of the time everyone gets the same jobs when they graduate. I've been on interviews before with people from way more expensive schools, and beaten them out for the job.

Idk, I don't think college is scam like a lot people say it is, but I do think that high school kids should get way more counseling on their options. Many kids feel that college is the only place to go, and can't even fathom doing anything else after high school. Kids should also be counselled on what it actually means if you go to an expensive school for something like a history or psychology degree. Those degrees are fine, but consider taking one class at a time while working to pay it off. Consider going to a less expensive school. Ugh, I could go on and on about college expenses.