I already have the 4 year degree, went to ATP after I decided ATC was not for me, now I am flight instructing and giving all my paychecks to Sallie Mae.
Just do what works for you. Some say taking out a loan is a very bad idea. It all depends on your situation. I am 27 years old, the loan was the absolute best way to get it done. I am paying it off by flying, not flipping burgers. Just think about ALL that wasted time your NOT flying to save up to fly? At least I can log the hours that I am paying off that loan with..
Less than a year from when I started, I have my CFI, CFII, MEI, have around 415 total hours, 140 multi. Any other way than what I did would of been stupid, for MY situation.
Is this profession worth it? I will admit, the magic is gone, flying an airplane is not exciting to me anymore. With that said, there is absolutely NOTHING else I'd rather be doing for a living. The people you meet, fly with, you belong to the pilot fraternity, you will miss the people you fly with, not so much the flying. I miss everyone I flew with at ATP already. Luckily this is a small industry, I may just end up flying with them again down the road.
I did my Private Pilot at a 141 school with Miami Dade. Then went to ATP for everything else. I got a taste for 141 and 61. Now I am instructing for the 141 school where I got my PPL. Personally, I like part 61, it is faster, cheaper, and LESS PAPER WORK!!!! Well for the CFI that is...