Where do I even start?!

Hey ladies! Let me start with a bit of background. I’m 21, I had a baby at 18 and dropped out of high school before my senior year. I only have a GED.

Work has always been my priory however, so I have managed to do very well for myself. I’ve had very good jobs over the past few years, and I’m currently working as a Purchasing Analyst for a home builder and I’m very comfortable here for my experience level. It’s a mon-fri 7-4 schedule with $50k salary and great insurance. I’m incredibly proud of myself as I know many people in their 30’s and 40’s that aren’t making as much.

I realize now that I really only have the potential to work up to $60k max in my industry without a degree, and it’s now very important to me to get my bachelors so I can consider an even higher income bracket. (Managers in my field make $80k-$100k yearly) and I have a predicable schedule to do it, but I also have an $1900 mortgage and a 3 year old and husband that make it difficult to think about paying for school.

How did you guys pay for school? Any adults that went back to school while also continuing to work full time professionally? What tips do you have to help alleviate the cost? How do I find realistic scholarships? I’m nervous about taking on so much at this point in my life, but I want to be able to grow even farther and really make something of myself and I know I need a degree to do it.