[Trillian]

I would say student loans are an exception to the general rule-- earning power grows when you finish, after all!

Try to see if your employer can do any matching towards education, or find one that can if its feasible,

Try to find grants and scholarships to WHATEVER amount, however small, as these do not need repaid.

Try to find paid internships in the field of your degree, as those can lead to paid job opportunities that value your degree and experience both.

Try ALL possible ways to NOT add to debt and to Pay down.

I wouldnt say drop out of school -- those debts can come due sooner!
Education is a good goal to stick with.
But look at ALL your options and which ones make sense for YOU.