<p>I think being as financially independent at Mississippi State is a great idea. Being financially independent is going to give them the least control. I know we speak here on CC about the importance of the ED decision, because it is binding, but I personally think abusive parents is an extenuating circumstance. The admissions people are not heartless. Wait and see what happens with all your acceptances. The bottom line for cost for them is not known yet. However, financial independence at Mississippi State is a far more secure situation than depending on your parents’ money when they are unreliable and abusive. It could be four years of constantly begging for money while they make unreasonable demands and threaten to pull the financial rug over you whenever they want.
While parents are financially responsible for a student’s college in an ED decision, I think a letter explaining severe family problems, an unreliable source of income creating hardship for the OP, and the need to break the ED agreement to be at a college the student can pay for is a reason they would likely agree to.</p>