I am so sorry you have to go through this! I am currently going to college to get my degree, and I had to take out loans. Since you got your degree paid for, I would say go for it and take the loans out, it will all be okay. As far as coping with the family goes, that's a very hard situation, because you live with them. I would maybe apologize for causing such trouble to them, and just tell them how you will take loans out, and maybe some time will make it a little better. I hope everything gets better for you!