<p>Often “We’ll talk about it later.” means that there are no savings, and the parents have nowhere else to cut in the budget to make it work.</p>
<p>Exactly. So assume that they can’t be counted on to be regular sources of money. They may be able to help with textbook purchases or whatever, but if they can’t find a few hundred a month to put towards college then they won’t be able to even contribute $4k per year. </p>
<p>As for “going away to college,” that may be a fine goal, but unless you get the funds for that, it may not happen. That may also be an issue for your parents. They may think that commuting to the local school is “good enough.” Their money situation may be so tight that the thought of spending $10k per year on room and board is just frivolous.</p>