Is it unusual a 21 year old to have ringing ears?

No: Ringing in your ears - tinnitus - is not normal at your age. It could indicate either middle or inner ear problems. Need your doc to check your ears and your hearing, and then depending on what those show, decide if further evaluation or some type of treatment is needed. If no insurance and you live in peoria, you could contact the u of i school of medicine in peoria and they would see you.