Montanapilot: I turned nineteen in December.
As for college experience, I don't have any. I'd been working at an FBO pretty much since I graduated high school. Unfortunately, that ship has since sunk, so I'm afloat and looking for shore. In fact, I see the Island of Flight School in the near-distance. (Okay, took that analogy way too far.)
As it stands right now, my plans are to attend an accelerated flight school. Ari-Ben is at the top of the list, by far. (Will be touring early next month.) Having completed my training at the school, I would go on to become an instructor, and during that period of time earn all or part of my college degree online, likely through UVSC, but possibly an online degree in a different field.
I've actually spoken to a guy who's curently attending the MHCC Pro Pilot program. To my surprise, he financed his room, board, college, and flight training costs for about $70,000. Not that much less than an academy, aside from the degree.
However, it kinda makes sense. When I looked online at the flight training (Eagle Flight Center), I estimated the FAA min. costs to be at about $33,000--for a zero-timer. Considering it's not accelerated, those costs could climb pretty quickly. (At PCC/Hillsboro it's a min. of $37,000.)
A zero-timer's cost at Ari-Ben is $31,000. While that's not "set in stone", like ATP, I understand that it's rare that that cost is less than or exceeds a $1,000 to the base price. The generous amount of time they allot you makes that possible.
To make a long story short, I estimate financing for the Ari-Ben flight training, living, and online degree to be at about $45,000, perhaps less if I get a non-aviation degree. In addition, one gets chock loads of multi-time, plus an almost guarenteed position as an instructor. Most of the few exceptions are those who've deliberately chosen to instruct elsewhere.
I'll stop now.