What is the most effective way to travel a distance of 800 miles without your own transportation? Any tips for broke college students to get back home?

I live in Crescent City, CA and want to get back home to Palm Desert, CA. The only problem is it's over 800 miles away and I have no vehicle. I can't really afford to fly, but I was wondering if anyone had any idea how to get back in a cheap way. Cheap meaning anything under like 500 bucks? It's extremely embarrassing but I can't figure out the Greyhound Bus line at all, and have no clue how I'd even go about getting from Point A to Point B. I figured you guys would have some tips as I can't be the only homesick college student needing a way to get back during break!