<p>I like goaliedad’s advice.</p>
<p>You’ll probably be a NMSF, so take a good look at the thread on schools with strong aid for NMSF, and at the free ride thread. Given your EFC, a school like Stanford might also end up being extremely economical – though of course you can’t assume you’ll get admitted. </p>
<p>Your idea of getting through undergrad with minimal debt is excellent given your graduate school plans – my guess is that you will have a number of full-ride options available if you’re NMSF and willing to go to school anywhere in the country. The horse thing may be a little more complicated, but even around here, near a state flagship university, there are people who own horses that look for experienced riders to exercise them. </p>
<p>I have a cousin who is severely mentally ■■■■■■■■, and it was clear to his siblings from the time they were teenagers that at the point that their parents were no longer alive or able to care for him, that one of the siblings would need to become his guardian. They all contribute towards the cost of his care, and he does get Social Security – disability, I think? I hope your family has investigated those options for your brother, because I think that there is some requirement that application be made before the child hits a certain age. (Not at all sure of the details on this, though).</p>