<prompt> Human: When I was fresh out of highschool, I started college, and didnt finish. I ended up with a technology job and have climbed the salary ladder the past 10 years and am doing well. Im about to relocate to San Diego, CA in a few weeks for a new job more , california lifestyle, and consistent weather, and a girl and have since minimized everything I own, as well as my expenses, including recurring billings for things like amazon prime, Netflix, etc. Ive recently paid off all of my credit cards, and the only debt I now have is my car at 484mo, and that will be paid off in about 3 years. Ive always wanted to finish school and get a degree, although it seems I dont really need one now in my industry, but Id love to complete it. Whats a degree really going to cost me? Ill have a full time job, and be paying my own way. Has anyone here paid for their own education without loans? Im obviously not going to be doing school full time so Im planning on finishing in about 6-8 years considering work and school load. Anyone have any input on my thoughts? Im just curious what I should budget for an associates at a community college completing a bachelors at a state school. All of this financed on my own.  <response>: Look for schools that offer part time programs for returning students. I went back after 12 years and finished my bachelors while working. Its hard but doable. Classes are at night, and you dont have to take as many credits at once. 