1996 VW Golf - won't start

I have a VW golf and had some repairs done, i.E, replaced the fan belt, and did a tune-up, lube job and had the locks fixed on the doors because they were faulty and stripped. Now, after all that was done, the car worked fine for a few months and always started fine and then one day at a friends house, when leaving, it wouldn't turn over, it was completely dead and won't start anymore. A friend helped to push started it (because it is a 5 speed and it started up and made it home but now it won't start anymore. I was told that I shouldn't jump start it because with newer cars (although I don't think it's exactly that new) that it could cause electrical damage. Is that true, if so, what do I do? I am thinking that maybe it's the starter but it never gave me any trouble before and to replace the start it will cost $200.00 just for the part alone, and I don't have that kind of money at all, if I don't have the starter with me when I get the part, they'll charge a $100.00 core charge again, I don't have that kind of money even though I'd get it back once I changed the starter. It doesn't turn over at all, a complete nothing, no noise or anything. I am also thinking that maybe it's the battery but if it was, wouldn't it at least attempt to start/turn over?

Any suggestions?