$18k per year is very generous and it’s close to what I had in mind that parents save for their children. For a few dollars more you can afford an in state school. Your father is wise to avoid Parent Plus.
I think complaining that the cost of college is spiraling out of control and then attending a private college that costs $43,000 a year is disingenuous. Private colleges are expensive because there are many who can pay for them with little or no problem. It’s as simple as supply and demand. If you are sincere don’t feed the monster.