Is the 1550 SAT just CR and Math? Sorry if I missed this. I’m not sure how the current SATs are scored? It sounds a very high score which would mean your son has a good shot at Cornell or MIT. If he gets into one of those dream schools, let him go there. You can take out low interest loans to pay for it if you have to. Don’t worry too much about the money. You can make small payments over a long time to pay it off. These schools are worth it for your son. Just work the payments into your budget. Once you reach full retirement age you can take Social Security without penalty while you continue to work and pay off the remaining debt if there is any. The important thing is to get your son a great education. Go to the most selective school you can get into. SAT scores are the best way to judge reach, match, or safety. There are no guarantees at the elite schools like Cornell and MIT. Good luck!