i wish i was rich, then i could just throw some cash around and get a running start into the collage.
That would help, yes, but there is more to admission than money.
The "currency" you lack here is GPA/achievement. If you can get in, you can always take loans/grants that are backed by the Federal government. Barring a phenomenal SAT/ACT score, minority status, or other exceptional circumstances, you're pretty much slotted into the community college / state school track at this point. Not that state institutions are a bad thing, but they have a duty to the taxpayer to provide the
opportunity of education to anyone who shows up.
As Abby pointed out, colleges typically list the annual cost of attendance (resident and non-resident) as well as requisite coursework. What they typically will not disclose on the website is class averages (though they may), SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT scores, or other items of information that make claims of guaranteed admission*.
Universities tend to make admission decisions on a case-by-case basis; getting into grad school, I had a sub-3.0 GPA but a phenomenal resume/experience, and a lot of outside interests. I now stand at a 3.8+ GPA and have represented the university at an international conference and several symposia; their "bet" on me paid off, but their decision was bolstered by the fact that I came in at 2+ standard deviations above their typical GMAT score.
As you can see, exceptions are made, but your experience may vary. Either way,
you're going to be hard-pressed to garner interest as a candidate for admission with a 2.5 high school GPA. Sorry.
You could always go into the military for a few years, then come back and go to college on the GI bill.
I read this after posting ... you know, this is actually an
excellent suggestion. You would gain "I've done stuff and can be responsible" cred as well as funding for school. I didn't go down this road; good point, sparkmaster!
*State institutions
will tend to outline "unconditional admission" criteria, as well as "you get a full-ride scholarship if you meet ..." criteria.
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