$45,000 does sound steep for two years of community college to me too.

US Aviation has a two year degree program with Tarrant County College in Texas that would cost quite a bit less than that even for someone out of state:
Tuition and Fees - Tarrant County College
US Aviation Academy


I think even going to school at UNT (a four year college that is right next to US Aviation) and doing one of our 0-CFII programs would end up less than that.

Of course, in state tuition for local colleges will be cheaper for you. I don't think it is terribly important to have an aviation degree so much as a degree from a respectable program and the appropriate ratings and hours.