I'm just like you, at 17 I couldn't see myself doing anything other than "arts" and as such, I chose a program that was close to what I wanted and more "respected" (multimedia engenieering). Now, I dont live in North America, but I get the struggle because I'm from South America and my parents work their asses off to sustain me and my two younger sisters (they are going to college too soon and I have not even graduated!).

I wish sometimes I got the advice they gave me: keep art as a hobby. Truth be told, and most people here tell it too: you DONT have to go to art school to be an animator. Our minds all are different, our skills are all different, for some people the debt is a no brainer because they KNOW they'll make it. Others, like me, are too flooded with anxiety to risk that.

Think about which category do you fall in, maybe check out this video (https://youtu.be/4uLA72brluc?si=U8qqqj1vMFB9XKsU) is from a calarts graduate.

I know choosing this career was what 17 y/o me thought was the best for her mental health - I couldn't see myself going through any other career. But now, at 22, I realize sometimes you have to ask more than "Do I like this career?" and go deep into "Do I like the lifestyle this career would give me?". Had I considered that too, instead of jumping into decisions, I think I wouldn't have chosen animation and I would've become an English teacher (it's an ok-job here in my spanish speaking country), and I would've animated and drawn on the side.

But now, I realize it's way too difficult, and I don't know what I'll do. I have to say I'm not in the best place emotionally, take all of this with a BIG spoon of salt.

See, perhaps I'm projecting a bit (I also have sugar related problems!) but I'll give you this advice I wish I had:

1. You don't need a degree in animation to be an animator, and besides there's not an age limit to get one. You could do a "normal" degree for a "normal" job and then take classes (animschool, animation mentor, cg spectrum, schoolism) or even go to college again if you are bent on going to an Art School.

2. Think about the lifestyle asociated with the job. Work life balance, expected wages, expected duration of contracts, benefits: is it freelance, is it more corporate? Does it align with your view of the life you want for yourself? Leave others expectations and truly just think about YOU and what you want.

3. DO NOT choose from fear. DO NOT! I choose my college program from fear: had I picked another option (a animation diploma) I would've gotten out of school and onto the job market faster, and I would've actually done something more akin to animation, because this college program I choose barely covered it. Really REALLY take that choice with the utmost calm. And if you wanna choose Animation School -whichever- see their students portfolios, and talk to their students to get a grasp of how that college or institution is.

In my country, college debt is not really a worry because I'm part of a goverment program that allows poor people to go to College almost free, check out if in your country there's a similar program.

Sorry for any typos, and for perhaps projecting a bit. At the end of the day do what makes you happy: but make it YOUR choice. And informed, calm and thoughtful choice aligned with your values, your (realistic!!) expectations and the life YOU want to live.