I'm an instructor, for what that's worth, so I've seen this question asked a lot. Most new shooters, especially guys, are extraordinarily anxious to get a "big boomer" or a hi-cap 9mm. These are usually the people you see blasting away at the target and actually sometimes hitting it...then again, a trained monkey could hit the target every once in a while.
I'm a complete newbie and know almost nothing about guns, lol.
It may be a bad assumption but I'm assuming this also means that you don't have much/any experience shooting. You would be well served to start with a .22RF. Yes it seems little and not exciting, but a .22 is the BEST way to actually learn how to shoot, versus just turning money into noise.
Also, handguns are very difficult to learn to shoot well. Since you are in school now, you understand the idea that positive reinforcement is a good thing...take an action and see positive results and/or progress. That is much more difficult to gain with a handgun than a rifle.
Well, I'll be moving away for college next year and I plan to finally own a firearm
and
but I don't have a ton of money so I need a cheaper one.
College = no money (at least it did for most people I know). A less expensive gun and having it chambered in .22 RF will allow you to shoot a lot and actually be good at it.
I want something that can be used for target shooting and home defense/concealed carry
Good for you wanting to get your CCW (I live in Illinois and can't have one here but I have a NV and PA non-resident which covers 34+ states). That said, there is a HUGE responsibility that comes with CCW. You owe it to those around you, yourself and even a perpetrator to be proficient with your firearms. Take the time to learn the right way...then move up.
An analogy for Embry-Riddle...no pilot immediately jumps into a Gulfstream G-V or an F/A-18 and starts flying. Cessna 150 or Piper Warrior to start...with an instructor...then move your way up.
My recommendations?
Ruger 10/22 (or equivalent) rifle first
Ruger MkII (or equivalent) pistol next
Worry about the CCW pistol when you master #1 and #2
Sending you a PM on this also.