Would the son be okay with attending community college? It doesn’t sound like his motivation is high- is that true? He could take just a couple of classes and work. One of my kids did that and is now at a 4 year college that fits her much better than her original choice.
What is the creative area that he excels in? Is this creative area something he loves doing? Can he do more of it during a gap year, and would deeper involvement change his school choices?