The student says that his dad has announced that after CC, he won’t provide any more money towards college.
Reading between the lines, it sounds like mom got a chunk/all of savings in lieu of something else (shared equity of the home or shared retirement plan) Dad may have “bought her out,” of her share of the house.
Dad may have done the math for putting his 4 kids thru college and has concluded that 2 years at a CC for each kid is all he can do. The next child may be starting at a CC soon.
The divorce may have been very costly, so maybe dad has some “catching up” to do with savings, etc.
We are hearing a young person’s version of events and he may not fully understand. Words like “retiring soon,” may not truly mean retiring in the next 5 years. Gave mom “life savings” years ago, may just mean dad bought mom out.
I wouldn’t be surprised if dad is also having to pay spousal support to his exwife. Again, reading between the lines, but a mom of 4 kids who never sees them likely has some serious issues - ones that may not allow her to support herself.
This student may need to resort to an online college route. I think Starbucks has a deal with Arizona State or some AZ school to pay for education. He needs to take advantage of having a decent home to live in…at least that is a parent contribution. And if he’s on dad’s health plan, then staying instate would help.