This is a family issue. Yes, now that OP is 18, in most places in this country, the parents do not have any legal obligation to support this young adult. If they want to charge rent, they can. If they do not want to support any college plans, they do not have to do so.
Colleges have strict rules about declaring students under age 24 adults. It’s their crazy loophole that so many college students over the age of 18 are considered dependents when it comes to financial aid eligibility for college.
The OP has several choices:
- Work out an arrangement with parents about staying in their home and commuting to a nearby state school, cr community college. Work part or even full time, go to d hook part or full time.
- Talk to the Financial Aid counselor at the college OP has already accepted and see if there is anyway, the school can make it happen. I don’t have a whole lot of hope in this option. But give it s try. Being independent can increase the loans to to $9500, I believe. Maybe OP can qualify for PELL. Maybe school can throw in enough money so that with work earnings, it can work.
3). Put college on hold for a year or so. Take a course or two this year, maybe and assess the situation. Learn the financial aid rules and how things with and strategize for college.