<p>We are in same shape you are. As USCAlum05 said: “Unfortunately, you’re the typical kid whose family is too “wealthy” to get a full ride and not so wealthy that you can pay for it out of pocket. That’s something that drives me insane.” Nice to hear someone echo that cause there are sooo many of us out there. Hard to be the family that has worked hard our whole lives to get where we are and watch everyone else get the handouts. Now that I am done complaining, it is so great that you are sensitive to your parent’s situation. There are loans from private banks that you take out in your name, they cosign, and payback doesn’t start till 6 months after graduation. I’d figure if they can’t help you pay it back, it is all yours, if they can, it sounds like they would help you. Rates are lower if you take the loan in your name than theirs. A parent student loan starts payback immediately, yours would not. Then they aren’t risking their financial future up front. If dad is near retirement, you can see where they are in 4.5 years, and see if it’s better for you to handle than them. Heck in CA, people spend $80k on a car. Besides, you will have 40-50 years to recover from that loan, your parents don’t have that kind of time. Just a thought…I see the pull of the USC/college experience, planning on transferring seems to take the fun and excitement out of the overall process. Coming in at year 3 and 4 isn’t the same as starting and finishing at a 4 year institution. Good luck!
p.s. Nice you have their support, it’s what parent’s do and want to do - give their kids the world. If you go, just work hard and don’t blow it, you obviously know it is a stretch for them, so make em’ proud! It sounds like regardless of where you go, you will be successful.</p>