<p>have you considered applying for an ROTC scholarship? They offer full rides in certain fields. It is at least work checking out.</p>
<p>also – have you talked with the financial aid office at the local state school? Explain what is going on and see if they have any suggestions. It might be possible to go to the CC for a year or two while supporting yourself and then have the college declare you independent. this is not done often and is very much the exception, but possibly if you talk to them first – and save any and all documentation they will require – it could be done.</p>