Here are some thoughts:
l. Do not go to college straight from high school.
2. Get a job. Low level, several low level, medium level,
just to get a feel for working and for GETTING PAID.
3. Start going to night classes first.
4. Research what you would like to do, see if you are good at it.
5. Employers often help with college expenses.
6. Last, but not least. When you start college at 25, you have the added advantage of being able to talk to your professors with some maturity. The teachers really take the young students to the cleaners because they are timid.
And easily intimidated too.