I understand it can be tough, but I didn't start my cs degree until I was 31. I'm now 34 and well over half way through. Go to a community college, then transfer to a state university, they are both cheaper and usually offer evening classes. I was able to work as a full time dev while going to school part time in the evenings, and that's as a (active and involved) single parent. Wfh and virtual classes helps a lot though. Not the fastest way to a degree, but it will get you there.

'Was' because I was laid off in Dec last year and have had a hard time in todays market with only 1.5 years of professional experience. But when I am not working, I just take more classes. Admittedly, I am staying with family, but with that extra support, this is all possible for me. Working full time and taking summer classes, you could finish in 5-6 years.

And yeah, because I truly love cs, and I've certainly learned alot about myself as an adult, I definitely feel like I'm getting more out of this education than I would have if I started out of high school. I'm not just here for the paper, I'm here to learn, but a degree is a nice prospect for a high school drop out. It wasn't the best path to get here, but I have no regrets. Coming from a decade plus of food service work, me and my kiddos prospects are drastically improved, and I feel like I've found my calling.