Andy, comparing one student with much worse profile at a B+ LAC last year is not the rational way to look at this. That college may had a specific need that other “B+” LAC’s don’t have THIS year- kid played bassoon and the orchestra needed a bassoon player. College wanted more students from India, Pakistan, SE Asia and boom- this kid’s application landed on someone’s desk. Etc.
And don’t guess on whether getting a visa is a problem or not- you can check the current requirements for getting a student visa online. If you have financing for the first two years but not the second two years- you will not be getting a visa. US Immigration is not interested in admitting students who will be at risk for being homeless in 24 months because they can’t afford to stay in college, and can’t afford to go home. So you either have the money- and can prove it- or you don’t. No need to guess.