Lots of good advice here and elsewhere on this site. Like others I would suggest getting the degree first. I would also suggest getting a degree in something unrelated to aviation. Reason being, the economy and job market are cyclical, so it is best to have multiple skillsets and thus, multiple career options. Statistics show that the average person will have three to four career changes in their lifetime. Sounds like you have good skills as an automotive transmission technician. Consider a degree in engineering, computer science, IT, or accounting if you want a degree to improve your chances in the non-aviation job market. You'll get your flight training from the flight school or FBO so get the degree for alternative career options or anything that interests you to expand your horizons.
Also, have you considered ATP as a flight training option? I know it's probably taboo posting that on the Comair board but you did not mention it as one of the options you were considering.
In the interest of full disclosure, I'm not associated with any flight school. I got my private last year at a small but excellent 141 school at my local airport (CHD), love flying, and am now considering a career change. I got a degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA while working all through school so I came out without loans. I would suggest paying as you go for your education if it is possible (it's great to be debt free). Been in tech and tech mgmt for 15 years now and make Doug+ money
but seriously considering
resetting the career and taking a vow of poverty as a flight instructor and eventually working in a corporate or fractional opportunity (maybe the airlines, but with the blood running in the streets and my advanced years
, it is hard to be optimistic about that path).
Finally, Doug, thank you so much for running this site, thanks to your moderators for policing and ensuring quality, and thanks to the participates for contributing to the exchange of opinions and information.