<p>Yes, the parents do seem to have cross-purposes.</p>
<p>A student who takes on big debt will not be able to afford to help the family. They are under the mistaken impression that those who graduate from the elite schools make SO MUCH MORE money that they can easily pay off big debt and support the family. </p>
<p>They are so wrong. Elite school graduates (for undergrad) do not earn more or at least not much more. Certainly not enough more to justify big debt.</p>
<p>The OP’s stats are high enough that he doesn’t have to rely on the CC then transfer route as his safety. He can get a big scholarship from a mid-tier school. Fed aid can cover the misc other costs.</p>
<p>He can apply to the top elites that give great aid without big loans for his reaches.</p>