I am from Virginia and I got accepted into my dream school, which is Indiana University. IU gave me $14,420 in financial aid, however, I received a letter from them saying that in order for me to attend the 2017-2018 school year, I would have to pay the remaining price, which is about $33,970. So, my mom called their financial aid office, and the people there told my mom that I can pay $8,432 a semester. But the thing is, I don’t have money for that either. My mom and I only make $14,600 a year and my EFC is 0. (The money I make goes towards our rent). So, I got accepted in George Mason University, which is about 20 minutes from where I live, but I do not want to go there. George Mason University is an ideal school for people in their 30’s-40’s who want to continue their education, not for people 18-25. Plus, everyone I know who attended George Mason had nothing positive to say about it. So, my question is, do I go to a college that I really like, but cannot really afford it, or do I go to a college that I do not like, but can afford?
Are those the only schools you applied to? IU and George Mason?
If you cannot afford it, you cannot go. This is a hard pill to swallow, however there are many, many students in that same situation. My daughter was one of them.
What were your test scores like?
@Jrgib98 I am sorry to read of your situation; unfortunately it is a reality of life that finances dictate what choices are available to you… and not just for your college education. I would like a bigger house, a nicer car, and maybe a boat. But I cannot afford them. So it does no practical good for me to start building a dream house when I would certainly run out of money before it was finished.
Similarly, with your college choice. You were told several times months ago in separate threads that going to college OOS, and particularly to IU, was unaffordable for you. If you can make the finances work for 4 years of study at IU without going into huge debt, great. You have worked hard to be accepted there. But if not, look for some cheaper options closer to home.
GMU is a much better school than you think it is, and not just for continuing education adults. Several rankings have it well within the top 100 public universities. UMW is a solid option too, with a more liberal arts slant. Or go to CC for two years under a guaranteed transfer program to W&M. I too live in VA, and you have some great options for instate schools that will be much cheaper than IU. Don’t start somewhere you only have enough $$ for 12 credits. That $$ will go a lot further at a cheaper school.
It seems like you are navigating this process without much guidance. Do you have a good GC at your school that can help you find an affordable option? You may need to take a gap year or semester to sort out your choices. Fortunately, you have some dual enrollment credits that may help you get started.
Make a wise choice now and you will be on your way to a great education and career. But bad decisions can frustrate you, extend the time it takes to get your college degree, and leave you with a crushing amount of debt.
Hang in there… you have the determination to be successful! 
Go to the cheaper school. I’m assuming your dad either can’t or won’t contribute anything.
This isn’t actually a choice. If you can’t afford it, IU isn’t even on the table. I’m sorry.
Where are you getting this information? GMU’s [Common Data Set](https://irr2.gmu.edu/cds/cds_new/sec_action.cfm?year=2015-16&sec_id=F) reports that the average age of students in 2015-16 was 22, and 0% of freshmen were 25 or over. Roughly 18k of their ~23k undergrads are 18-24, so there are plenty of students in your age group.
Tuition and fees at GMU are ~$11k/year. The full Pell grant is ~$5800 and if you file the FAFSA you can take the ~$5500/year federal student loan, but you’d still need money for books and travel expenses. I’m not sure GMU will be affordable.
Another option is to start at a community college and transfer. If you start at a cc the tuition and fees would be ~$3500/year. You could cover that with the Pell grant and still have money for books and travel. You’d still be able to take the $5500/year federal student loan if you need it. As a junior and senior you can borrow $7500/year, so GMU would be more affordable.