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You are not deciding between a community college and (insert name of Ivy League school of choice here). The two schools you are considering are relatively equal across the board. Going to MSU will not magically get you a better job than if you attend WW. Just because you "felt" MSU slightly more does not mean it is worth a $40K burden.
Ultimately you have plenty of time to figure things out. I would strongly recommend you start at WW. If you decide it is not for you, transferring is always an option. Your parents are also an important consideration. What do they have to say about this?
Really? REALLY? Summer spans from June to August, and perhaps part of May. Call it 14 weeks. Full time is 40 hours a week. Over four years this amount to $22,400. Tack on a "good amount of overtime" and perhaps we are at $30K. This is before taxes. Cut that down to $20K now. The school loans for $40K will continually increase. By the time he has paid them off they are likely to amount to $50K or $60K.
He should be expected to work summers anyway, to pay for various expenses. If he is going to ski, that can eat up an entire summer's salary on its own.
At no point in your life will $40K ever be insignificant, regardless of how successful a career you have. Having a debt like that hanging over your head upon graduation complicates everything. It truly surprises me that your parents are so blase in their attitude concerning student loans.