Assuming you're a US citizen, the first thing you should do is apply for financial aid (fafsa.us.gov) - I think the 2009-2010 application process ends on June 30th. So if you're planning on going back this year, better hurry up .
As far as undergrads go, you should receive some sort of federal pell grant. If your family input is higher, expect to sign up for loans (at this point, the interest rate on direct loans is at its lowest... last I saw, it was like 1.50%).
You can always ask your employer to help you out, but most employers will expect you to maintain (and demonstrate) a specific GPA level before they shell out the money. If they're cocky enough, they may also decline to pay because the degree you may be seeking may not reflect on your actual work.
My research (this is about six years old) showed that most universities use the terms software engineering and computer science interchangeably. Software engineering gives you the title of an "engineer" which computer science doesn't; so universities (especially community colleges and private entities) jump on the bandwagon. There are subtle differences, nevertheless. Instead of depending on the feedback you receive here, I'd suggest you compare the most current curriculum to see for yourself what the differences are. Most universities have catalogs online now.
Also, depending on your plan, you may have to prepare for and take the SAT. If you're running low on cash, then I can propose a possible path: go to a community college which transfers [all credits] to a public university. You'll end up receiving an AA degree at the end of two years, which somewhat gives a leeway into breaking into applying for jobs at the end of two years than waiting for four years, for example. I haven't been down this path myself, but a couple of cousins have, and they saved a lot of money.
I spent two years in a private college (parties were worth it), but by that time I realized that whatever I need to do to succeed, I have to do it on my own. So transferred to a state institution, and have been a fan of state universities since (YMMV). Beyond that, I thought it was better to branch out into other fields, so am doing my MBA and focusing on portfolios and financials besides juggling with .NET and procrastinating Java development. Conventionally, people who pursue the PHd path mostly do so because they want to get into teaching - this is also warranted because by the time you're done with your PHd, you wouldn't have enough real world experience, so the only thing you can do is teach because nobody is willing to hire you .