<p>OP, a good place to start looking is with College Confidential’s search [College</a> Search - College Confidential](<a href=“http://www.collegeconfidential.com/college_search]College”>http://www.collegeconfidential.com/college_search). Try playing around with the various parameters and see what pops up. You can also use similar tools on sites like the College Board. As others have said, get a copy of some of the many college guidebooks. </p>
<p>It sounds like your parents won’t be able to pay anything towards your education, and that they might not be able to sign for additional loans. That means that you must find good financial safeties–schools which will be affordable either because you’re living at home or because they offer substantial merit aid. USAFA would be in that category, but admission is not a sure thing. You’ve been admitted to one school–can you afford to attend using just that $5500 freshman year Stafford loan and working part-time?</p>
<p>Caltech is a small intense highly academic school specializing in STEM fields. Not surprisingly, it’s a very geeky environment. It is not for everyone–in fact, it’s most decidedly not for most people. What made you consider it at all?</p>