<p>Okay, first of all, $8,000 isn’t that much. Between summer and school year jobs, she could have a large chunk of that covered. I don’t know what “car bills” she has to pay, but maybe she’ll just have to pass on taking a car to college with her.</p>
<p>Also, if her mother was laid off, and her father’s only income is SSI, she can also appeal to the college for a slight bump in aid. If she can get a good summer job, it wouldn’t take much to cover her shortfall.</p>
<p>It sounds like she’s receiving a very generous financial aid package from what I’m guessing is a private college. I can certainly understand why she’s resisting your efforts to talk her out of it.</p>
<p>And I am wondering what your motivation actually is . . . do you really want to help her, or would you just be more comfortable if she stayed closer to home?</p>