It’s great that you’re starting to think about colleges now. You have time to start thinking about your preferences and to craft a well-developed list of schools to apply to. There’s no need to rush through this process; take the time to find places that will be affordable and feel like a great fit!
You’re fortunate that you live in Texas, as it has some of the lowest tuition prices for its residents. Also, do you have any interest in playing tennis in college? Is there any chance that you might be recruitable?
I cannot like @MYOS1634’s post #10 enough for you…so many great suggestions.
Definitely listen to everyone who has mentioned the importance of budget. Talk with your family and find out what is affordable before any loans are taken out. On top of that, you are eligible to take out federal loans, which is up to $5500 for your freshman year and up to $28k total for your undergraduate education. But if you can share how much is doable for your family prior to any loans, then people on the board will try to offer suggestions that will suit the budget.
Here are two schools that could be possibilities:
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Angelo State (TX): If your family is eligible for a Pell Grant, then it appears as though you would qualify for free tuition and fees here via their Blue and Gold Guarantee. You can earn a Cybersecurity Technologies certificate through the regular CS major, but there’s also a new degree in Cybersecurity, as well as a management information systems (MIS) major in the business school. They mention paid internships at a regional cybersecurity place that opened up there as well. Angelo State has about 9600 undergrads and is classified as a primarily residential campus.
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Tarleton State (TX): They’re a Cybersecurity major with the CS major, but one can also do a Cyber Security Certificate through the Computer Information Systems major in the business school. The Tarleton Promise Program includes tuition and fees AND room and board, and it appears as though you would qualify! Tarleton is classified as a primarily residential campus.
I will continue researching other possibilities with you, but wanted to go on ahead and share these possibilities.