Advice for a graduating early student interested in creative writing?

Yes, they are considering CC and then transferring. I believe they and I both worry that they would just kinda get lost if they don’t jump into a 4 year program. To me, staying for senior year, pumping up rigor and grades to be a more competitive graduate would be the best. They are a great, smart, wonderful kid, but anyone at 16/17 needs another year to mature and be in a safe place to make mistakes. But I also am not privy to how safe home or school is for them, so getting “out” may be the best choice. They are unclear on budget unfortunately.