I actually have an 18yr old freshman in college, 2 hours away. He has my Credit Card info, ability for me to give him $ at anytime and He came home for Thanksgiving with $3 in his wallet. I was pissed to say the least. I had to have a convo about not allowing himself to get that low on cash. He did have $ on his "diamond dollars" but as for cash he had $3. he said he does laundry with it and knew he was coming home with his stuff so he wasn't worried. I think my point is these kids ( for me, boys, my daughter wouldn't be caught with less then $40. UGH) will just go. They won't tell you they're out until they are seriously OUT and it becomes the parents issue to get $ there asap. This is all IMO and my own experience. My son is SLOWLY coming along.
As for Jacob not going home. I have no idea. Maybe the parents thought things were going well and he loved it there and wanted to stay. I don't know. Usually the school sends the kids home over Thanksgiving but i'm not sure of that college. Again, I'm living with a freshman and this breaks my heart. I pray he is found safe and sound.