To add to @Rdtsmith, I would lay out the financial parameters and options and let him choose. If that means 3 years at one place instead of 4 years at another (remember that he can borrowed Federal loans as well, and they are fairly limited), so long as he can make it work, that’s his choice.
It isn’t too early to start introducing him to information, though, IMO. For some goals (which may also be in the UK or Canada, though UK unis are quite inflexible when it comes to changing majors/course), it may mean taking AP tests junior or maybe even sophomore year (and of course the PSAT is junior year).