If finances are a concern, could he take off from school for a semester and work full time instead?
He could then apply for aid for Fall 2017 on the 2017/18 FAFSA as divorced.
What was the EFC and what aid was he offered at his other college based on the 2016/17 FAFSA with married status and joint income?
Did you and him make less than that in 2015 combined?
Did you make less in 2016 combined than in 2015?