I didn’t realize I am only allowed to take out $27,000 in four years which means my parents would have to take out loans if they can’t pay the remaining. But thanks for all this information you gave me, you’ve been a huge help
That’s why you need to run those NPCs and bring the results to your parents to start the discussion. Depending on their financial situation (and what the colleges take into account), the results depending on college are likely to be quite different.
Make sure your college choice list includes a couple of choices where you would be academically over-qualified. That will increase your chances of getting a scholarship (a grant, not a loan).
Penn State Greater Allegheny offers a number of 4 year majors, has a dorm, and a number of nonlocal students, even international ones. So its not like a community college at all, actually.