I get it. Or maybe someone will contribute more. In this scenario the student will always be behind. My daughter’s roommate is working 3 jobs, like 30 hrs and has little school life.
Other schools will have less room and board costs and when the student moves off campus or maybe does year one, depending on the school they can potentially save. But often that requires transport - like a bus as you move far.
Just not a good position to find yourself in.
Better to go to a near home school or cc. And save assuming the free tuition will be there in two years.