<p>I want to apply to UMass-Amherts but my parents don't agree because they know they can't pay for it. My EFC is $17,000, and my parent's probably couldn't even pay $3000 of that. I was going to take out loans to pay for it all, but now my parents are telling me, that to take out a loan they still need to pay a percentage, and they couldn't do it. Not to mention they have bad credit.</p>
<p>Ugh, if i end up having to go to community college, i may just quit school.</p>
<p>You might be surprised to find a number of kids in similar circumstances at your local community college. Work hard, get the best GPA you can and then transfer to a four-year school, perhaps with a merit scholarship. </p>
<p>It's up to you, but graduating with $70,000 debt after UMass wouldn't seem wise to me. </p>
<p>The other option you have now depends on your current stats in high school. Is merit aid a possibility? Some private schools can end up cheaper than public, but you'd have to be in the top end of the applicant pool.</p>
<p>How'd your EFC get up to $17K if your parents can't pay $3K?</p>
<p>Seems pretty high for a family with ( I presume) low income and few assets. Did you have some assets in your name that are being heavily assessed? If so, perhaps you can spend those down and correct your FAFSA-- or at least put yourself in a better position next year.</p>
<p>"Ugh, if i end up having to go to community college, i may just quit school."</p>
<p>Don't be so short-sighted. College isn't about having fun for four years, it's about the rest of your life.</p>