A few comments…
– Is it even possible to go to an expensive school? Where will you get the money from? The amount of debt one can take out as a student is very lmiited. Are your parents able to take out a tremendous amount of debt and would they be willing to do so? The money has to come from somewhere. Every year there are people on CC who get themselves into a jam by choosing an unaffordable school and then realizing the money won’t just come to them so they have to transfer after a semester or so – that is a situation you want to avoid. It is not as easy as saying “I’ll take out loans” – you need to have the financing mechanism in place before you consider transferring.
–Have you assessed the practicality of living under a tremendous amount of debt for years and years? You may not be able to take that great job if a boring job pays more and you need the money to repay debt. You may not be able to get a loan for the house or car that you want. The need to repay a huge amount of debt will handcuff your life choices for decades.
–As a commuting student it typically takes a concerted effort and being proactive to make friends and create a life on campus. Have you done everything possible to see out friends at your school? Have you joined clubs? Have you tried to make friends from class? Do you stay at the school during the day or do you just come and go for classes? Have you tried to engage your peers and professors in the architecture department outside of class? And since you are living at home do you have any HS friends around? Have you become active in your community?
–Have you tried to look at the bright side? I understand completely that your situation is not ideal. But try to consider just how many people in the country and throughout the world would do almost anything to have the opportunity to attend a 4 year college in the US and graduate debt free. And you have the chance to study something that you find exciting and that seems to be a great fit for your skill set. Life isn’t perfect but try to think of the glass as half full.
– You may want to seek out counseling at your school. It never hurts to talk things through with a professional. The counselor may have ideas to get your more involved in campus life as well.
–I believe architects need a Masters degree so you may want to stay put for the 4 years of your bachelors degree and then try to upgrade your school when it is time for a masters program. The masters degree will be shorter (hence less debt) and will likely be your terminal degree in the field.
I hope you can work to create a happier life, pursue your profession, and find some peace.