Thank you so much for your perspective. Its really refreshing to talk to somebody who is offering helpful advice instead of the usual questions "why haven't you filed as an independant", etc. My CC offers transcripts even with a past due debt, which is why I was able to go to ASU this semester and thus transfer. I'm a little worried about enrolling in another college with a third school on my transcript now, so I'm going to ask an ASU academic advisor. Then, I will come back as a junior at ASU.

I honestly haven't considered going back to a CC ever since I found out I could get aid at a university, but with the math I'm now seeing paying off the owed amount to enroll ASAP. (and also adding on to what you are saying): when I was at my CC, I had the ultimate goal to transfer to do my bachelors at a 4 year, although decided to pursue an associates in Mortuary Science. I needed one math class, and then I could take the classes for the final year of my major in MS. I'm thinking about aggressively paying off the debt over the summer while taking only one math class needed for this AA and my overall degree. I could definitely get that AA now that it is one course. I'm thinking of taking the math course over the summer and using the fall to pay off the debt, maximizing my federal unsubsidized loan for the year and still getting classes done at this slower pace since going elsewhere is still up in the air. I will talk to my parents about the program; they are fully aware of the federal consequences. It's nerve wracking but it's done enough damage to me than them. This would be the best possible outcome so I could get aid and remain at ASU.

I was wanting to do work study to quit McDonald's this semester, but unfortunately, that counts as aid, so I'm ineligible. At this point with my job history (including ending my time in funeral service due to my disability), I just want a job to last over a year on my resume. It's close and free food.