I really like the study abroad option. Most schools have an arrangement where you pay your normal fees to the home university and maybe a study abroad fee. So if she does a year in Australia in that system you’d pay your Hawai’i tuition to U Hawai’i and maybe a grand for study abroad, and attend the University in Australia without paying 40k. Do the research ahead of time by searching if that is an option at Hawai’i to study abroad at Queensland.
While philosophically, I believe everyone is entitled to their opinions, they don’t need to make you feel bad for seeing things differently. I applaud your stance to help your child reach their dream at your expense. If you spend much time on CC, you’ll see plenty of people telling you that an undergrad isn’t worth paying that price… But in the end, only you can determine if the value you get by helping your kid reach their dream is worth the price your are paying. (be prepared for the onslaught of negative replies to my post for stating this) 