In your situation IF you decide to go to college, you will need to get student loans. Unfortunately, the US has not figured out yet that if they make education affordable, everyone will benefit. If you are not interested in going to college then don’t do it. You might be interested later. I went back to college in my 30’s and got $ from my employer to fund it, I make a pretty good living as a Registered Nurse.
Also, I agree with the above replies that $16K is not that much. My son paid $30K for his undergraduate degree and is now paying $47K per year for medical school. He is 23 year years old and already owes over $100K So when he finishes he will be over $300K in debt. BUT, he WANTED to do this, he made the decision and I actually tried to dissuade him. As’a nurse and I know how hard the type of doctor he wants to be will have to work.
So, soul searching seems to be the way to go. If you don’t have a degree or career path in mind then maybe you should wait it out for awhile. If you are working and taking care of your responsibilities then I think you SHOULD wait until you know what you want to study.
Your parents probably just want more for you than they had. My boyfriend is career Army 27 years so far and it is a rough life for a family. He is gone all of the time and the pay isn’t that great. Your Dad probably thinks he is helping you by giving you a push. Ultimately it is only up to you. Since they are counting your parents income, you must be under 25 years YOUNG. Take your time!!!