Thank you for the answer. I take it he works for someone who pays him a salary or hourly rate, and not a situation where he earns tips or the like.
If your parent works part time and earns $40,000 a year, I’m not sure how they would be able to help you at all with college expenses. With the new SAI guidelines, I’m not even clear if you will qualify for a Pell Grant (@kelsmom might have some idea).
A college that meets full need for all accepted students would certainly be a help to you.
I think you need to see your school counselor ASAP when school begins. Perhaps they can give you some good guidance on where you best could apply, be accepted and afford to attend.