I agree with putting your degree to use first. I financed my flight training... well the remainder (Instrument-CFII) Ended up borrowing a total of $35,000 to get that done while cash flowing some of it from money made rideshare driving

If I were you, I'd start working and making money... set a portion of each paycheck aside to build up a fund. As soon as you save up $8000-$10000, go and get your private. Continue working while doing that, and keep saving money to supplement the remainder of your ratings. This will allow you to determine if flight training is for you... and allow you to not have finances get in the way of you staying on a regular schedule with your instructor.

Once you get that done, going to an online program like Liberty University will allow you to obtain loans(probably with a cosigner) to attend a 141 program for the remainder of your training. Doing it this way will reduce the TOTAL amount you borrow... however, be careful on the 141 program you go with. Some are more expensive than others, and you want to be mindful of the amount you borrow getting into this unstable career.

Yes, pay seems to be going up for pilots as the "demand" increases... but we have no idea what this industry will look like in 10 years. Don't let your passion turn into something you regret due to financial hardship when the economy takes another turn for the worse.