very nice discussion..
let me add few facts-
first; 10K is not big amount for two person. Work hard, you can pay it in few months.
second, talk to your school, most of them consider your situation and make some favorable decision.
Don't run away from the problem. Be determined and get ready to work whatever you find. Even if each of you manage to save 1K per month, it will take you just 5 months to get rid of all the debt. Most people manage to save more than 1.5k per months.

It seems your mentality is - why to pay for something that was not of any use for you. If you think this way and worry for 10k now, the consequence it will bring in future will be far more than that. You will regret for not paying this amount, and getting stuck in more important issues in USA in future.

I had wrost situation than that once in past.. and i was living in nightmare each day.