To our OP: this is really just the start of decision you will make where there is an element of "how do I tell my parents" involved. Whom you marry, what you do with your time off, even what car you buy, will all be fair game down the road, and many parents will want their say in these decisions and more, AND, won't mind giving you their 2cents either.
All that said, ChristCorp has some great ideas there, and having a plan shows both maturity and perseverance and good judgment. Perhaps even approach Mom and Dad with a spreadsheet, with your options. They'll be impressed, and think you grown up and serious.