If he had money saved up to pay for his first year, that may have worked against him -- I believe the financial aid calculators they use consider a higher proportion of student assets than parental assets when assessing the amount for the individual to contribute. He should fill out the FAFSA as early as possible for next year, especially if he has spent down his savings already -- that will probably means he qualifies for more aid.
Is his academic record strong enough that he could get admitted to a more selective private school as a transfer student? Due to large endowments, they will often have better aid packages (including merit aid) than state schools will provide. He would get a full ride someplace like Harvard or Stanford if he could get in. He may have better chances as an older student who has been independent, too -- puts him in a different pool than the typical high school senior.
Is his academic record strong enough that he could get admitted to a more selective private school as a transfer student? Due to large endowments, they will often have better aid packages (including merit aid) than state schools will provide. He would get a full ride someplace like Harvard or Stanford if he could get in. He may have better chances as an older student who has been independent, too -- puts him in a different pool than the typical high school senior.