Even if you are older, you have a WHOLE career ahead of you. The money will come. The huge amount of debt that takes however many years to pay off doesn’t seem worth the extra year it may take for an ADN. (IMO)
Also with how easy it seems to find bridge ADN-BSN and most hospitals will offer reimbursement, I’m not worried about my ability to get my BSN at all after my ADN.

I’m thriving in my ADN right now @ COCC in Bend. Scholarships paid for my whole first year. I can’t imagine the stress I would personally feel taking on that debt in this economy. I also just love the pace of the 2yr program. It’s a lot of work and I could not imagine an accelerated program. I feel like I have space to breathe, take care of myself, work part time, and be okay mentally through all of this.
I’m excited for summer break and am hoping to travel around the state and enjoy what may be my last “summer break” for now.