<p>IMO, the cost of the school is always an issue.</p>
<p>I tend to believe that parents have an obligation to make a substantial contribution toward higher education for their children if they can–I can think of very few circumstances under which I’d tell a child of mine, “When you turn 18, you’re on your own”–but I also believe that the parents are entitled to set reasonable terms and conditions on that contribution. And I believe that if a parent who’s paying significant money toward college wants to say, “If the car goes to college, my money doesn’t,” that’s the parent’s prerogative.</p>
<p>I agree that this has little, if anything, to do with the OP’s original question about break-ins and cars left unlocked, but I think it has everything to do with your comment above, " I still think if it’s her car, it should be her decision." I’m just saying, I see it differently.</p>