Remember that nothing is guaranteed. The ATC thing isn't too bad to fall back on, but keep in mind if you were ever to lose you medical you would be SOL getting a job as a controller (they require a second class medical). Just to set straight the current hiring situation with ATC, currently it is about a 2-3 year wait from the time you submit your papers to the FAA to the time you are actually sitting in training at Oklahoma City. Look into UND-Cost of living is low, tuition is cheap, wide variety of degrees offered, flight expenses are lower than riddles, the ATC thing and CRJ courses are both offered, and its an actual public school with plenty of women and you can party it up as previously suggested if thats your thing.