OP, was there ever any discussion of the terms regarding the tuition? As in, did you ever make it known to him that this was not a gift, and he was to pay you back? Sadly, it sounds like he used you for as long as it took him to get what he wanted until he found an exit and no longer had use for you. If you did tell him it was not a gift and he was to pay you back, you can take him to small claims court. Anyone willing to take a large sum of money, like your ex did, and never think about some kind of reciprocity uses people like he did to you. You may want to get things in writing, not be so open with your kindness and protect yourself a little better. Tuition is expensive AF in many cases, so I’m sorry you’re dealing with this.