$25,000 a year for living expenses seems to be about right. At least this amount is close to the non-tuitions-related budget DS’s school has decided for the next academic year.
When the student does not know what he wants to pursue for his future career in high school, the parents may prefer him to attend a college where he may have a variety of “good” choices. The parents and the child himself should assume that the BS or BA degree may be his terminal degree. After all, it seems the majority of students, even at a top college, choose not to attend a grad or professional school after college.