@HSSr19 It’s not too late to apply to some lower priced colleges as well. Consider that.
Really, I don’t have anything new to add. You’ve been consistently given one piece of great advice…pick an affordable college to begin with, even if it’s one that may not be highly ranked, well known, etc.
My youngest graduated debt-free last April. Having no debt allows her to live alone in the East Bay (still can’t afford SF proper, lol). She was able to save money from work in college and so moving and start up living costs were covered.
My oldest took the federal loan her senior year and put the amount towards grad classes.
I work for a college, so we did have a leg up on getting tuition covered, BUT the kids had to be willing to accept placements at schools that were willing to give them exchange. My oldest didn’t get the award at the school of her choice, and so “settled” for another. We were much more strategic the next time around, targeting schools where the students’ stats were well above the 75th percentile or where we could see guaranteed merit put the school within budget. She also did not go to the first choice school as it was not part of the exchange consortium and didn’t come through with the aid.