I faced that decision about the same time you are. Its a tough industry but heres where I am at.

Graduated high school and got a summer job working as a mechanics apprentice. Used every cent to get my private. Went to college for a couple years and left b/c I didn't know what I was there for. Went to flight school, you can get private funding or government assistance on this. Check out ERAU (embry riddle aeronautical university) in florida. You can get through the flying that way and work your way up as a CFI. The pay is bad, the hours are worse, payoff is good in the long run but it is a lot of work.

I made it through, ended up commercial pilot, multi and instrument rated (didn't get the cfi). Finished school with ERAU graduated with a degree in professional aeronautics and a minor in aviation safety. Back in school now working on a masters. I work for World Airways as a system administrator for AQD (tracking and trending data to improve safety). I always wanted to do the pilot thing for money but as I have gotten a little older I am not so sure (currently 27). Got a fiance, house, all that and being away from home that much probably wouldn't make me too happy so for now I get my check (loving the corporate world) play with my hobbies and try to fly for fun.

Good luck whatever you do,

DA