hey sean,

First let me say best of luck to you. Flying is fun. Plain and simple. If your coming from the civilian route my recommendation is to go ahead and get the four year degree and while doing so getting at least your private. Aftewards, I would say that you go full time to a 141 flight program. Check with the regional carriers and see what affiliates they have with different schools. My personal bias is FlightSafety, but DCA will do just as well.

Enjoy yourself, have fun, and stick with the dream.

Jack