That's really helpful, thank you so much.
Side note: I've been trying to explain the legitimacy of these various paths to online degrees to my older sisters. They both went the traditional route years ago, one of them $60k in debt for, what I will accurately call, a 4 year degree - only to end up in a career that wasn't very lucrative, and she left the field altogether. And I still can't convince her that I can earn a real degree without massive debt. I have no support or encouragement where I'm from. So I'm very thankful for all the info and resources here. This is a great community!
Side note: I've been trying to explain the legitimacy of these various paths to online degrees to my older sisters. They both went the traditional route years ago, one of them $60k in debt for, what I will accurately call, a 4 year degree - only to end up in a career that wasn't very lucrative, and she left the field altogether. And I still can't convince her that I can earn a real degree without massive debt. I have no support or encouragement where I'm from. So I'm very thankful for all the info and resources here. This is a great community!