I began full-time studies last year at the age of 24. I've been keeping a job at the same time, which makes it difficult, but I'm doing it all on my own, no loans so far. I'm a little swamped now though, and thinking of droping my schedule to three classes this semester, as I'm working on a research project at work that I'm bound to learn way more from than a classroom can teach me. It sucks being in studies when all my friends are working their 9 to 5 jobs or waiting tables... but I know it's going to be sooooo worth it in the end.