i did both during my college career...spent my freshman year at a state community college...got many of the basics out of the way..cheap. it worked for me...my parents were much older (& this was 30 yrs ago) & they had some very odd views about women & college.

i attended a college fair & managed to speak with a rep from a private liberal arts school in michigan (of all places..right?!). got a very decent financial aid package (as in free ride) & transferred there. moving from ny to michigan was a huge thing...my home life was horrible...my parents were very abusive...but honestly going away was the best thing that ever happened to me.

i loved michigan...the people, the state...everything...

why not try for a state school in a different part of the state...this way tuition will be somewhat cheaper & you can still be both nearby (unless you venture up to the UP) & far away at the same time.

good luck tho in what ever you opt for.