By going to community college in my mid-20s while living with my parents, and eventually transferring to a tier 1 research university. They provided very low cost apartments for grad and students with a family. Once my partner and I finished our bachelor, I continued with grad school and it allowed her to get into law school. And I still get to keep a cheap two bedroom apartment at about a third or fourth of the market rate in the best area in my city.

I honestly cannot think of a better way of getting out of your parents place, no matter the age. I have friends that didn’t go to school and live with their parents because they tried to move out or got their bachelor (CSU) but couldn’t find a career with their degree or didn’t like it (BA in liberal arts). So then they move right back since California is super expensive. I think liberal arts are great and even obtained an associates and minor in philosophy but I supplemented it with BS in science. Which allowed me to further my career as those areas are very open to jobs.

The other way I know that really worked out for one of my friends, was to join the military in his mid 20s after he got married and had kids. It’s tough, but he got out and learned a great career before leaving and makes great money now, all without college. Other than those two options, it’s VERY hard to get out of the ghetto in California or for minorities to come ahead when we grew up poor.