At 40 with a family, how can I afford to go to nursing school full-time?

My wife has a /hour career and we have limited savings. Will financial aid help me with more than books, tuition and supplies? I know there are possible grants and scholarships out there, but those are limited and only 'maybes'. Am I able to use the loans that are available for living expenses, etc.? Job choices, opportunities and growth potential are all limited here in Vermont, so the career stability and life experiences that have given me a broad exposure to nursing have led me in that direction. But going back to school will take me out of the family income pool for 2-3 years. This is the only part that has me apprehensive.

View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/at-40-with-a-family-how-can-i-afford-to-go-to-nursing-school-full-time