I really can't speak for the pilot career since I am a hobby flier, but I can vouch that getting a degree in something besides aviation is a good idea. In my case, I got an aerospace engineering degree and went to work for a major company, I think I was out of school maybe a week before I got some offers. I presently do airplane engineering and may one day try fulltime flying, but in the meantime enjoy flying for fun. Most pilots here will agree that getting a 4 year degree in something besides aviation is a good idea if not the best. Actually, there is a young fellow in my office that got his AE degree from Embry Riddle. As for the comparative costs of FBO flight training plus the cost of a 4 year non-aviation college degree, vs. an aviation degree that includes flight training, the latter will be slightly cheaper but you will not have a degree useful for anything but flying. If you were to get tired of that or lose your medical you will be in trouble.