Lib-- Glad that you are here. Based upon the fact pattern you present, I would see if you have the requisite education to take the FE examination in your state. Assuming you do, I would do that first. You may need to have some tutoring on the subjects that you don't have specific class work, however, if your state approves you to take the FE examination, I would do so. Many folks have taken the FE/PE exam without having an engineering undergraduate degree. Each state is different, so you will need to check with your state board for what your state's specific requirements entail.
As mentioned earlier, there are always opportunities in graduate school. See if you can get into a good engineering school and have the tuition paid as you get your Master's degree. You may be a teaching assistant or a lab rat researcher, however, there are always programs that are seeking good graduate students.
If you enjoy building machines, tools, etc, then find a good grad program in Mechanical Engineering. This may require a move to some place you may not know about, but, take the opportunity and find out what is out there.
I am going to disagree with some of the earlier posts on the validity/value of the PE license. While it is true that a piece of paper does not make the engineer and many very talented and successful engineers never pursued professional registration, this is a "cutting" tool that will put you over the bar if all other things are equal. After all, the PE license is not that complicated to achieve--many folks make this exercise substantially more difficult than what it really is. Yes, you have to study and have to know how to do some calculations, however, the PE test is designed to test for the "minimally competent" engineer, the "D" student, not the "A" student. Seems counter intutive, however, that is how the program works.
I would find the grad program, get enrolled and find some work in the program to give you the resources to get through school. Check with your state board about FE eligibility. If you are elgible to take the exam, do so. If you need more course work, take it, then take the exam. Don't be afraid to move-- you never know what is around the corner-- and it may be much better than you imagine.
The rules at Univ of ILL of not taking their undergrads in their grad programs make good sense to me. You want a wide breadth of education and experience; going to different schools will provide that.
Good luck in your pursuit of new opportunity.