Dave - it's alot of work doing it that way, but if you are using your employer to cover the cost it works out better than student loans. I did my 2 yr with cash, working full time building log homes during the summers, when I finished I took a pay cut from the log home biz and started working in the quality and engineering field. I started my family then did Ferris downtown GR at night. The company covered cost. Just my time and travel expense. It worked out for me. Matt - go after both. you will be able to make enough coin during the summer running boats and still hit the books full time in the off season.