You mention ‘a career as a pilot’? Since the upper tier jobs mostly call for a 4 year degree, set your sights there. Of course $$ and life particulars can have an effect on individual plans & schedules.
You need steady progress with college credits and flight hours/training. In many programs one can put themselves on a faster track with year round progression, depending on resources.
You’ll often hear the advice of a ‘backup plan’, just in case your piloting plan gets torpedoed. It’s at least something to keep in mind, though resilience is an individual trait, regardless of one’s degree.
While at it, keep your personal life trouble free. Don’t be coming back here in 3 years asking how to mitigate a DUI charge.