Need advice on school/training/contracts

I'm currently located in Columbus, OH and very interested in a career in trucking. I've been reading about the industry for about a year now and it is now decision time. I want to do this but I have to choose a route for my training.

I have a couple options for training in Columbus. One of them is R-Master and I've heard some bad things about them. There are a few more similar outfits around the Columbus area but the whole private school thing sounds a bit shady.

I've been looking around for a community college program as well but so far have been unsuccessful in locating anything. Even if I do find a program I'm worried about spending 3 months or so without a job while I do the training.

I have heard good things about Schnieder National on these boards and a little bit around the internet. They do have a training program but it requires the even bigger step of going to Green Bay, Wisconsin for two weeks. I can either pay the $3500 fee for the two week training program or sign a one year contract. The idea of a one year contract terrifies me even though the job offered afterwards doesn't sound too bad and the idea of escaping the $3500 fee is tempting as all hell. There is also the fact that if I do it this way, I can have a paying job in about three weeks. Training pay just to start but it would drag me out of a huge hole.

There is also the fact that my family hates this whole idea which doesn't make it any easier. Luckily it's not a wife and kids thing, I'm single, it's a dealing with parents thing. They would rather I work 9 to 5 at a painful office job. Something I don't want right now.

To be honest, if I didn't have the stress level of my parents to deal with, I would be on the next bus to Green Bay even though the one year contract thing still worries me. I've been researching this work for a long time now and can't wait to get started. I realize trucking has long hours, an uncertain schedule, and is more of a lifestyle than a job. My eyes are wide open I'm just trying to determine the best way to get into the industry. Any help/advice is appreciated.