Not being in tens of thousands of dollars in debt, and making good money in the process. It may not be for everyone, but IMO the best option and you don't have to be privileged to get in like mentioned above. If you are a hard worker and determined a person can get it done. Tons of average folks have done it, myself included.

For the record, I did my private through commercial part 141 in college so know about paying for it. Of course the guard or reserve path the best option over active duty.