<p>Oh, come on. Even if UC Berkeley is “only” costing the student $40,000 per year (given that the parents do in fact pay the $17,000 EFC), the student will only be able to borrow the subsidized and unsubsidized loans - a measly amount when compared to the $40,000 in question. The parents will have to bear the burdens of Parent PLUS loans… and given the family’s financial situation, they will struggle to make these payments.
Paying such a cost is a bad idea because the OP had nearly a full ride to UA-Huntsville. He wouldn’'t have had to worry about paying tuition or room and board.
HOWEVER, something likely occurred… perhaps his family is willing to sacrifice and get rid of some assets (cars? real estate? land?). In that case, then the parents should ensure that their student qualifies for in-state tuition after the first year. This may involve even more radical measures like one parent moving into Cal or buying a condo somewhere in Cal.</p>