IceCreamKid - you have some very good thoughts on this topic.

In my area, there is such a nursing shortage that some hospitals will pay part of your tuition in agreement to work for a specified time for them after graduation.

And what about the military? My brother-in-law got a degree in IT through the military, landed a great civilian job after he got out, then retired young with good benefits.

I agree with IceCreamKid - things are tougher than they used to be but not impossible.