[FocusDude]

CONGRATS, My lil cousin just graduated too!

If your not sure about school stay local, go to Mercer (I know hanging with your 'rents sucks, but financially its sound). And DO NOT take out student loans unless your sure you will follow through and get your degree. College will definitely open doors for you, but it doesn't work for everyone. There's nothing worse then finding out your not in to what your studying and ending up with 30 grand of student loan debt.

If your good with your hands check out your local electricians / carpenters / mechanical Union. You won't become a millionaire but you can become quite comfortable. I'm not a Union guy at all, but starting rate out of the Trenton locals is better then Philly, and the benefits are great. Picketing sucks, sitting in a hall sucks, but if you prove your worth the money, and get in with a good shop you won't need to worry about that.

OR- If you can grab a job on the NJ taxpayers dime, hit that up; it will pay off hugely when you retire compared to just about any other company.