If you're over 18, and not in school full time, be happy they are paying for anything for you at all. Start with that. Your parents own you nothing and you aren't likely to get sympathy on this at all, so I'd stop mentioning it.
As for video quality, I would definitely look at over-the-air solutions in your area, depending on how close/far you are from broadcasters, you may have some excellent options available to you. The setup may not be super easy, but it may be doable with used gear for not a ton of cash layout.