[anonymousiam]

I was in a similar situation at a later age. You need to think more about what you want from the degree. For me, I just needed the sheepskin to advance my career, so I enrolled in an on-line program. If your present knowledge/skill-set has holes that a degree program would fill, you're better off making it a high priority, which means full-time in-person classrooms/labs, and sacrifices/changes to your current lifestyle. One problem you'll have is your salary history. It will preclude you from scholarships/grants that you could otherwise get. If you still have the option of living with your parents, and they're willing to help you, that could relieve some of the financial burden. After you complete your degree, you will not be "starting at the bottom of the ladder" because you have eight years of experience on your resume'.