What got me started was an internet article that The College of the Ozarks was banning students from borrowing to get a degree.
http://money.msn.com/now/college-wont-accept-students-who-need-loans
I have been following almost every US surveying program at one point or another and it is my opinion that surveying degree programs are not only affordable while working, that quite often they are set up to allow those working in the field a convenient way to attend. I personally took surveying courses at 2 major universities, Lehigh and NJIT and surveying or surveying related courses at 4 community colleges, Northampton County Community College, PA, County College of Morris, NJ, Middlesex County and Warren County Colleges, NJ and continuing education via Penn State.
From your experience as a student, teacher or just from inquiries do you agree that a surveying degree is an affordable? and worthwhile? opportunity while someone continues to work, in the survey field or otherwise.
Paul in PA
http://catalog.etsu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=6&poid=1246&returnto=176
This one is not bad. Given that they will give credit for work experience, have a distance learning program and a schedule that looks very complete, I'd say this is a good way to go. It sounds like they will work with the PLS crowd.
Generally speaking, I would say - Yes, Surveying is an affordable degree option.
I expect that many degrees are 'affordable' options, provided the student is choosing a degree that has good job prospects after graduation and does not take out loans just to be able to drink the 'good' beer and party.
There can be circumstances beyond the students control that might work against them. A bad recession, for example, could lead to limited job openings for a time.
I am not suggesting a degree in Literature would not be worthwhile. I am just stating that when there is a good job opportunity in that field, the competition for the job will be much higher due to the number of Lit degree holders.
A Surveying Degree would have several things going for it in comparison to other degrees:
1. The number of people who pursue the field will be lower (I mean who wants to get dirty and sweaty after all that time studying for a degree).
2. There is a pretty wide field of options for a career that might fall under the umbrella of a Surveying Degree - Land Surveying, Construction Surveying, Photogrammetery, GIS, Planning, etc...
3. Surveying and Engineering Degrees often require a summer internship in the field of study. This internship can often lead to working other hours for the same company one interned at. Weekends, breaks, and after class hours spent working can make for a great experience as well as funds to help pay for college.
4. The personality types attracted to surveying generally are people who like to work and be outdoors. So they are probably more likely to work their way through college instead of borrowing as much.