I did the private before going to Riddle too. Helped a lot. I instructed at another school though and regret not working for riddle. Better job all around compared to where I worked. Can't beat the constant flow of students and MEI for free either. If I had to do it all over again though, I would have done all my prerequisites at a community college then transferred in to get my degree. Would have saved a bunch of money. If you work there, I think you get school for free. I'm not exactly sure how it works now though. You could look into getting a job there, and maybe you would save even more. Maybe you could get your certificates somewhere else for cheaper, then go work there as an instructor, build time fast, and get free or discounted tuition. I don't know what degrees you would be eligible for if you transferred in with all your ratings though. I know though, its hard to get in there as an instructor from the outside. They will always hire students before anyone from the outside.