The full tuition to Bama may not be enough, but it still sends a message to the parents that the DD might have options.
I think that if she keeps her nose clean, gets some big merit awards elsewhere, her parents will fund a Calif school.
The ED option is likely out the door, but she’ll still likely have options if she can get on their good side.
I can understand why some parents act this way at this point. Their child is nearing 18…this is the last chance for some parents to have some impact on wayward kids. The OP admits to some “bad behavior”. Mom knows that she only has a few months left to wield some power. She’s hoping for some positive outcome.