OP: Your initial tone was extremely accusatory for no reason. How much better would your question have been answered if you had instead said: “Under what circumstances do parents dictate their kid’s college choice?”
Instead, you’ve extrapolated based upon a few cases that struck you – and you assumed this was widespread. Aside from affordability, some parents want their kids to attend certain religious colleges, or ones that are a certain distance away from home, or have a “safe” reputation. Sure some parents fear “liberal” colleges. Some cultures don’t want their girls to go to residential colleges but to only commute. Some are concerned that illnesses/addictions can be further manifest and make certain guidelines & protections. Some request a GPA minimum or tuition gets cut off.
The levels of influence and guidance varies considerably.