but if he got admitted by Stanford/Wharton/Chicago, or something like that, he should not be worrying about the money. all these schools have Need-based scholarship, actually tons of them. all he needs to do is to apply. Besides, he can contact the alumni network and ask for help. with so many sucessful alumni, he can get sponsorship in a few days.
These are just basic networking skills. Is it really that difficult for a guy who get into top 3 schools? I believe he did get admission, but I would suggest him not to be afraid. even you made to US, there will be more serious problems ahead of him.
I am liuge2000. What I told is a true and serious story. As a government official with promising future, I am at the crossroad of my career. Big opportunity cost, but No "BACK" icon or "RESTORE" fuction in my program. Visa rejection after resignation means a career disaster for me. It is much easy to be heroic and brave when we make dicision for others.