My dad to me, expressing interest in aviation at a young age: "Go for it, but get a degree in something else as a backup". He had no knowledge of the profession, yet his words were so wise and I am eternally grateful for that guidance.

Furloughs happen. Loss of medicals can happen. Accidents happen. Divorces and other bad things that take people's money happen... No one can take away education.

And if my dad isn't good enough, check out what the US Census says ... page 11:

https://www.census.gov/people/wealth...0to%202011.pdf