” they stopped paying her tuition and demanded she return the $66,000 they had spent”
There is the first problem. Don’t pay her tuition. Kids just don’t get it, if you parent is gullible enough to pay your tuition (especially to a $$$ private school) then they own you, it is an investment and they expect a return, that being success.
I bet this drama started long before college by parents who showered little princess with attention and every material thing she wanted. Now princess wants to grow up but still have mummy and daddy pay the bills.
“Kids just don’t get it, if you parent is gullible enough to pay your tuition (especially to a $$$ private school) then they own you, it is an investment and they expect a return, that being success.”
Not always.
When my son went to college, I paid his tuition with the following understanding: I hired him to go to school. If he underperformed (failed) then I would fire him.
He did and I did.
He then went to work in a customer service industry and soon found out it is harder to work for a living than to go to school. He then put in his own time and dime to finish his Associates degree—proving to me and his mother he was dedicated to completing his degree. He then asked to be re-hired to finish his degree. I re-hired him.
I re-hired him under the previous conditions and he did very well.
He graduated and is happy and on his way in the world. . .and this parent (and wife unit) do not own him or expect anything from him. . other than he be responsible and a good citizen. . .and an occasional Mother’s Day card.