in college and about to start (probably not) You have been hosed. I have been under the opinion for some time that the basic college degree is a waste of money. Not to be confused wit a highly specialized degree of course. Now would be a great time to tell the folks, put the tuition $$$$ in a mutual fund and I'll take a look at in 25 years. The budget cuts coming in every state in the union will trickle down to the colleges too so you'll be getting a strip down, no frills education. I hate it for you because I know what it meant and did for me. I don't see you as being so fortunate and it's sad.