If you had 10 k what would you do?

I would definitely use it towards school. An education is important and expensive, the less he has to pay back later from loans and be out of debt is best. A car can wait (there is such a thing as a bus), so can a phone (if you live at home you honestly don't need a phone). A job might be hard to get but I could do it. Many retail places or food will hire a college student in a minute.