Since most employers now want their employees to have some kind of degree, getting a degree in photography makes sense.
You can get a good start at a community college and major in photography there.
Schools like Art Center, Brooks and RIT accept transfers from lower division colleges, so you can get your AA first and then transfer to one of those three schools if you want to attend one of the three top photo schools in the US
http://www.artcenter.edu
http://www.brooks.edu
http://www.rit.edu
I don't know why you are feeling overwhelmed by the thought of college. It will be some of the best experiences of your life. Have fun and learn all you can.