I truly do hope your son finds a great solution for him.
You seem to have an issue with me so Im not going to fuel your hate fire anymore.
I was just pointing out that you have noted that $2k or so extra a year isn’t totally unreasonable or unreachable. I dont think a parents cost of driving to/from the college should be lumped into “college cost” (flying perhaps yes, but driving in state, no). I just didnt see having to possibly buy a car for the kid as a “college cost” either. Is it a cost? Yes. But my kids car is something they also work for and contribute to cost and that they can use after college as well.
OP just seemed to be throwing a bunch of numbers out there that people were confused about as they were adding in “extra costs” that others were not factoring in. Most people compare tuition/room and board and thats it. OP chose to throw in other factors such as car insurance and it was just unclear and unusual. Not saying its wrong to do that but thats why many people were confused. It also appeared that the mere suggestion of community college was offensive somehow.
We all agree college is really expensive and finances limits most kids school choices. We all love our kids and want the best for them but pocketbooks sadly make decisions for us sometimes.