<p>As someone who started college at 17 and knew several undergrad who started much younger…including one who GRADUATED UNDERGRAD at 17, the question sounds very odd to my ears. </p>
<p>While parents technically do have the right to directly dictate college choices on the basis of “parental money, parental rules”, this may not be the best way. </p>
<p>First, where do you draw the line on allowing a young adult a chance to learn how to take responsibility for his/her own choices and their consequences? Secondly, if he/she ends up hating the choice and/or loses out on perceived opportunities as a result of taking the parents’ choice…some responsibility will be on them. </p>
<p>Maybe a better choice is to allow the 18 year old to make the choice…but make parental financial support conditional on clearly communicated minimal academic and behavioral expectations (i.e. Minimum GPA, maximum time to complete degree, partying/ECs/leisure activities take a backseat to academics/interships, etc). </p>
<p>If said expectations are not met, have circumstances which could range from transferring to in-state school as a commuter with parental support to pulling student completely out of college, moving him/her back home, and having him/her get a job until they mature enough to go back.</p>