Student Debt While in School

Hi, first post here.

I’m a 19F college student on track to graduate in May 2027, but I’m looking at about $60k in debt and I’m really stressed about it.

I’m a psychology major planning to go to grad school for school psychology. I chose one of the cheapest schools in my state, but I don’t qualify for need-based aid because of my dad’s income—and he isn’t helping at all or co-signing loans, so I’m on my own.

I have a small scholarship, have applied to 75+ others, and I work during the school year and summer, but it’s not enough.

Most of my debt is based on the assumption that I have financial help, but I don’t. I’ve worked really hard to get here (earned an associate’s in high school), so this is overwhelming.

I didn’t realize how much debt I’d be in until I was already here.

I know some debt is unavoidable, but this amount so fast is making me question everything. Any advice is appreciated.