Nikon versus Canon DSLR Camera?

I'm planning to take photography classes for my next year in college. At the moment, I don't have a camera to work with for the reason that I sold it. Since I have no camera, I'm planning to purchase a camera that I can work with.
However, I can't decide which one would I be better off with. Canon or Nikon series.
I want something that is not too advanced for me. Something simple, but with quality. I'm fascinated with the HD quality picture more than video recording. Oh and also, it can't be too pricey. I'm tight on money and can't be spending a whole lot on this. Recommendations with detail would be appreciated!

Slight correction. There's no such thing as an "HD quality picture". HD doesn't exist in still photography - that's video only.

Canon and Nikon are the world leaders in dslr technology and both are excellent, long lasting equipment that will serve you well for many years.

I happen to prefer Canon and own two of their dslr cameras. A friend of mine prefers Nikon and he remarks "we can still be friends" - tee.hee.

It really doesn't matter, just pick one. But neither my friend or I would recommend a cheap alternative. People who buy them are most often disappointed.

Jim is completely correct, allow me to give you some models now

Nikons D3000, D5000, D3100, D5100 (once it comes out)

Canons Xs, T3, T1i, T2i, T3i

the cheapest ones on the list are the Xs and D3000 both at $500, the most expensive is the T3i at $900

the price of the future D5100 is yet to be disclosed, but it will probably be around that $900 mark as well

I would recommend the Nikon especially if your a beginner as it has a guide mode. In my opinion the Nikon D3100 is a great camera. It has almost everything you need except for bracketing.
I also think the canon is the best in terms of video but since your priority is photos I highly recommend Nikon

You should buy Canon Eos T3

The new Canon EOS T3 is a 12.2 Mega-pixel entry-level Digital SLR camera. It is targeted at the beginners who want to shift from compact digital camera to the DSLR. It can be expertly handled by anyone and allows great-looking photos to be taken with ease and style. It is excellent in low-light shooting situations and simple to handle and operate.
Features:-

* On-screen Feature Guide
* Creative Auto and Basic+
* HD video capture
* ISO 100-6400 sensitivity
* Wide-area 9-point AF system
* 63-zone iFCL exposure metering
* 6.8cm (2.7"), 230, 000-dot screen
* Use with all EF and EF-S lense