I’m not opposed to federal loans or working during college, and wouldn’t always push for the cheapest option - but I doubt you’d find anyone to agree that Penn is worth ~4 times UCLA or Berkeley (fake math - could be closer to 5). I’d say the same even if you or your parents or fairy godparent could pay for Penn without loans. I get that it’s disappointing to give up on a dream school, but you have amazing options. Go Bears! Go Bruins!