<p>FWIW, I think it’s safe to say there are many colleges out there for you. You are above average - the majority of CC students are star students and it tends to skew perceptions. Your financial situation may mean you need to go to a less prestigious school in order to get more aid. Don’t think that means you’ll be surrounded by “inferior” students. Many (like you) will be bright kids who need money. Others are late bloomers, relatively poor test takers, were just lazy in high school, or want to stay close to home. These schools will often look at students holistically, and may give a student the benefit of the doubt, leading to a lower class profile. A higher percentage of these students will also not make it, leading to a lower graduation/retention rate. Others will hit their stride and have a successful college career. There will also be some great professors at these schools - there aren’t enough jobs at top universities to employ all the great professors out there - and some professors don’t want to work in a research atmosphere or are choosing schools for family reasons.</p>
<p>For peace of mind, check out the 3.0-3.3 GPA threads, even though you’re well above that GPA. It’s geared to parents, but you’ll get some ideas and read some success stories.</p>
<p>I’m also a teacher - don’t go in significant debt. You won’t make enough money to justify it, and the certification is more important than the college it comes from. By all means, make sure it’s a solid program but don’t get hung up on the name recognition.</p>