When I started my freshman year, I didn't end up finalizing my registration with the public university until mid-August. I know, what a bad role-model, blah blah blah

I'm not advising anyone to procrastinate as badly as I do, but I will say that even if you have put off applications this long you shouldn't use that as an excuse to not get it done! Take a day off work - switch shifts with someone if you have to - but take that few hours aside to head down to the local school and fill out the proper paperwork for fall class registration.
The right college degree can be worth a lot of money in your future career, even if the economy doesn't do so well over the next few years.
Its always a good time to learn, and most communities have some sort of college or higher education institution. Don't worry, they're glad to help you get through the application process! If there are any tests or requirements that need to be made up before you can gain admissions, at least you'll be able to get started on them now and ready for the next semester.