$$$ The cost of University / College is killing me. $$$

[Bursche]

Apply for grants/scholarships early. I made almost 7000$ over in financial aid this year because my state/school scholarships paid for practically everything. But don't be picky about private vs. public, there is little difference, especially after you get your diploma. The only major difference is private is about 10x as much, and believe me the education is not 10x the one you will get at a public university.