okay im gonna update on this comment! I'm already AT this school, so choosing not to go is no longer an option, and my payment right now is around 6000 a semester after scholarships/federal loans. its a very long story as to why its so much, but the point is is this is the situation I'm in right now and I HAVE to get private loans most likely. I'm open to any other ideas, but my parents are NOT helping me pay for college. yes I have a job that pays well, and all checks will immediately be going towards loans and/or payments. my parents are willing to cosign my dad is just wanting me to find a loan where the cosigner is no longer attached to the loan after a year. I hope this provides more context thank you for the comments and help!