Shroompicker brought up some very very important points to consider when thinking about financial aid. Loans are cheap interest wise but they rack up. I'll be 36 when mine are fully paid off (almost 15 years after I graduated). Shroom was also right in that you can definitely pay your way through college provided you have a decent part-time job or full time job to help finance your way through school and make every penny count (even if it means buying the cheap beer once in a while). It's hard work both in school and out doing that, but well worth it if you can.

I damn near had to work full time with dirt part-time wages just to pay tuition and rent. I'm a slow learner and my grades were showing it after spending more time at work then in the books. Financial aid was an option for me and I took it. The loans eased it up for me by not having to work for my last 2 years and I've got no regrets. My education got me into a position where I can still pay for the loans plus live a more comfortable life. I probably would not have my current pay scale (or one of the best possible life experiences) without the education that the financial aid/loans helped to make happen.

One other good way to save on $$ is to consider going to a junior college for the first couple of years. Also, when picking a school, consider where you'll be living and how much its going to cost you. I chose a small town College where basic cost of living was cheaper than most California college towns. However, one of the negative things about being in a small college town is that good part-time jobs and internships are highly competitive since there isn't that many to begin with.

BTW- how's the Walmart gig working out YerMom?