I went to college but not specifically for an aviation degree. SO first your mindset has to change. You dont go to college just to get hired by an airline. You go to college to enhance your knowledge of life.
Secondly, I trained at a local FBO for all my ratings and lisences except for commercial multi so I worked a regular job as a school teacher, and Police Officer , and I served in the Army as a groundpounder while going to flight school at a private flying club, so no I didnt have to pay $100K for flight training.
I quit the police dept a few monthas ago to pursue a flying career full time. Deosnt have to be the airlines. I wouldnt mind flight instructiing, flying for Law Enforcement, flying for the FAA or whatever.