One thing we’ve suggested to our son is that he live at home and go to a good local college. He would then have money to afford going to graduate school. He’s a senior in high school so we’ll see what he decides.
Consider community college for the first two years. Then transfer. It’s worked out great for us so far.
You save about half the cost of college, and you have a better chance of getting into the four year college of your choice once you are a proven entity with a nice high GPA.
If you go this route, take the tough courses, with honors if possible, and get the highest GPA you can. If in California, pay attention to fulfilling the IGETSE requirements.
In California you can actually get GUARANTEED ACCEPTANCE at several UCs through your community college, after you have proven yourself. It’s called a “transfer agreement” and the counselors at the community college should be able to get you one.