<p>I don’t think everyone was being judgemental, though I agree some were. I certainly did not mean to be so hope I did not come across that way. Though I still stand by my statement that I hope you do not take on too heavy a debt load. That is not meant as judgemental or mean as I would not want my own kids starting off life with too much debt. I went through a period of having too much debt myself and know it is a very miserable place to be and very difficult to dig yourself out of. I would not want my own kids starting their working life with too high a debt burden, though they both have some education debt. </p>
<p>As I said in an earlier post, If the debt is because of causes such as medical bills then schools may make a special circumstances adjustment to reflect that. The only way you can know whether they will is to ask them. If you find they will not then you may be more limited in your options for school. You will be eligible for Stafford loans of up to $5500. If your parents apply for a PLUS loan and are turned down (which sounds possible given what you have said) then you are eligible for an additional $4000 in Stafford loans which would give you a total of $9500 for your freshman year which is your debt and you do not need a credit rating or cosigner for. That may not pay for the type of school you had hoped for but would pay for a CC if that becomes the only option. Also, if your stats were good enough for more competitive schools, you may be eligible for merit aid at a less competitive one. </p>
<p>Do try asking the school if an adjustment is possible. But barring depending on the circumstance they may not be able to (they are limited by law for what they can make adjustments for). If not you may have to get past your disappointment and change your plans somewhat to fit the financing you can come up with. It will not be the end of the road, just a change of direction. Cliche I know, but true nevertheless. There are other options out there. Good Luck.</p>