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Pay off some of the debt, at least the bank, keep some for an emergency if you don't already one. I hated to see my student loans building up, so that's what I would do.
And financial aid is not easy to get. I was an independent, working a min wage job at one point, and made too much money. All I qualified for were the loans. I worked as much as I could, paid out of pocket for as much as I could (I still had all my bills to pay first). I didn't have any significant savings/investments, either.
Petro Engineering is a good field once you get in. My ex was hired before he even graduated in the WV/Ohio region. Good luck with your studies!