Getting an A&P license

I emailed Jim Wier of Kitplanes and ask about getting an A&P
license since he is a college professor and A&P and IA. Jim was kind
enough to answer all my questions, but ask me to bring the topic to
this group. I had checked in to two colleges that have dedicated
programs for just A&P. They are 18 month programs for an associates
degree and cost in the area of $30,000. My question to Jim was, "Is it
worth it?"
Jim told me to check at my local Community college and see if they
didn't have a program that was the same thing............and YES they
do! And just as Jim said, the cost is only $2300! It is, however, a
21 month program instead of an 18 mo. program. But since it's
basically a program of morning classes, it is possible to keep a part
time job and not lose all of one's income.
I'm 54 and looking at this as a retirement program in something
that I really enjoy. I'm currently a pilot with an instrument ticket,
and also a tailwheel, and complex aircraft endorsement. I currently
have about 1100 hours, and have flown about 10 different aircraft. I
currently own three airplanes, including a homebuilt single seat
aircraft with a 40 hp. Rotax.
Jim wanted me to bring this to the group, so here it is. If you
have become an A&P, please give your assessment of "Is it worth it?"
and any other comments you might have. One of my other questions to
Jim was, "Can a guy make any money rebuilding A/C that have been messed
up in a small accident, or just have a run out engine, or are just ugly
and need some TLC?" Any comments would be appreciated!