[tomtud]

You said you are going back to school. I would recommend going to trade school to learn plumbing or welding etc etc. This way you are not in huge debt/spend a lot of your savings for tuition and can start working as an apprentice making money that grows each year until you complete your required hours.

Then again I don't know you. Just go over all of your options and see which one suits your goals and desired lifestyle.