<p>Agree 100% about charging rent before college graduation, that is unusual and burdensome IMHO. Could you ask them to “gift you” rent for the year so you can pay for college, and then you unofficially “gift” them back the money when you graduate?</p>
<p>I understand they are worried about cosigning because “they might lose the house” if you default, but are your rent payments, which you assumedly did not make while in HS, keeping them afloat?</p>
<p>I am having trouble figuring out if the OP is the financial mess or the parents are…</p>
<p>Have you talked to the college FA office about your situation? They might have some counselors who you could talk to. In general, they want to retain students and will help you figure out if there is outside scholarship aid you could get or if you could be declared independent from your parents.</p>
<p>One of the things about being a dependent of your parents is that you don’t pay them rent. Are they claiming you on their taxes as a dependent?</p>