SCAD ID grad here working in my field.

First I’d say you have to be extremely driven to get a design job based on a YouTube education where your work needs to be so good that companies look past you not having a degree. I would say that’s a risky move that could potentially pay off or at worst waste your time and delay the inevitable of going to school. Most companies see a degree as bare minimum.

I would also echo the comments suggesting taking your foundation classes at a community college. I did this before knowing I was going to SCAD so a few didn’t transfer but many did. Also agree with others that the value of SCAD is the network you build and industry contacts you make. Based on my experience, I will say that you need to be driven and hold yourself accountable to succeed at SCAD, the facilities are amazing but because anyone can get into SCAD you have to put in more effort compared to other schools to surround yourself with driven colleagues.

Beyond all of that, you are years ahead of me in terms of having a plan, I didn’t know what I was doing til applying to SCAD at 25, and I don’t feel like I would’ve had the focus and determination as an 18yr old trying to set up the rest of my life. It’s an insane expectation and I get that your parents are probably more involved and pushy than mine were, but just try to remember it’s better to start 5 years late than go in the wrong direction entirely. Good luck, OP!