My D worked full-time last summer and earned $6,000. That was not minimum wage. But most jobs available for students are.
There are lots of good schools in Texas which should be more affordable with Pell, state grant, and maybe merit.
I disagree that a student cannot make 8-10k a year. If you work twenty hours a week and work full time during breaks that is totally possible. And if she has saved 10k it means she currently works. 20 hours a week * 10 a hour * 50 weeks is 10k. My kid worked throughout school.
@mommdc and others: same questions re ability of OP’s mom to take out loans. How does a parent qualify for Parent Plus loans, let alone from private lenders, if one is in a situation where the EFC is 0? And $10,000 in savings. That is great, is truly is, and every little bit helps, it does. However, you go through that money soooooooo quickly. How long did it take to put it away? What are your summer earnings projected to be? Most students can’t count on $25/hr over the summer, and if they can, it’s usually not until after freshman or sophomore year. Working during school can be a bad move for alot of students, and their grades suffer. And as for mom taking out loans, it really doesn’t sound like she will be able to keep up with payments AND take out loans for 3 more years. I agree that in-state schools, maybe not top tier, but ones at which a student can stand out, and qualify for meaningful grant/merit funds is a way to get enough streams of funds to make it all work.
It is POSSIBLE to make $9-10K a year and go to school. My kids did. She needs to start NOW. Get a job waitressing. Work two, maybe three jobs during the summer. My kids worked at restaurants, were lifeguards and gave private swim lessons, ,one private music lessons. Sock that money away. Put that and the $$2750 loan for first semester towards the $4500 or so due to Belmont. Work during the school year and holiday breaks to make the second term bills, using the $10K reserve to make up the difference. Then work the next summer. Repeat. Get word out to family that college is a tight fit financially and hope that a few gifts come your way. Maybe parents can come up with an extra $100 or $200 in the picture. Every bit helps. Sell extra stuff on eBay or CL or on personal forums.
I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. It’s going to mean focusing on making payments the entire time. If student can’t make it work, or decides not worth it, it’s back home and to a local state school. But she can give it a go.