Thank you so very much for your informative response. I had no idea that I needed 50 hours of pic xc time before moving on to instrument. I just thought once you get the ppl you just move on to instrument. Wow! Yes, you are right, I am indeed planning on getting in touch with the financial aid department and look at every option to keep college costs low. I live with my parents right now. I am also planning on working as much as possible during this summer through next summer, so HOPEFULLY I can start flying by then. Again thanks for your response. I hope things will work out. So in other words get the PPL right now and fly once or twice a month building XC time. Makes a whole lot of sense!