<p>Did your parents work out who pays what for your college in their divorce agreement? College costs would be separate from child support. You say they are “supposed to pay half and half.” Is that in the court-approved document? If so, it is legally enforceable by one parent versus the other.</p>
<p>Are you saying that your mother, who makes a high income, is not willing to pay for much of your college costs and you are on your own? And your father, who recently got a sum of money from your mother, is also not willing? (Does his spouse make a good income: that can be relevant on a Profile.) Or are you saying you are suffering from uncertainty now because it is not yet fully worked out, but they are willing?</p>
<p>Who claims you as a dependent on taxes? I am assuming your mom. Do you spend most of your time at her house?</p>
<p>You can do loans but having a lot of debt is not a good idea.</p>
<p>Merit aid is a possibility. Public universities and colleges are a little more affordable, otherwise. You can start at a community or state college and transfer. But honestly, it is not clear to me yet that you cannot afford a private of your choice, though suffering through your parents’ haggling over it can’t be healthy. </p>
<p>They should be working together to give you a clear idea of what you can afford and expect, and spare you the tension and arguing. Maybe you could ask for a family counseling session so that you have a third party to rely on.</p>