1. Step son doesn’t like highschool.
2. It doesn’t sound like the stepson has a 529.
The logical solution is for the boy to defer college and take a gap year to work a full time job. During this time he will mature and be ready for college so mom and bio dad can come up with a plan.
The boys mother chose to go into debt for college. She must understand the value of college and the irresponsibility of debt. It’s up to her to advocate on his behalf.
Also, we are heading into a recession and interests rates will go up even more. This is what happens when governments print too much money without a legitimate economic policy. Plan accordingly.