It depends. I would at least take some intro flights or a couple lessons see if flying is really for you. I have a buddy who went to ATP and couldn't find a job for years. Left Aviation to do other jobs and eventually got back in. He is now at a Major. I Have another buddy who similar to your situation, went straight to flight school after high school at 18. A popular Pilot Mill school in south Florida, where he got all his ratings and is now also at a major without a college degree. Point of all of this is that it all depends on "you". Where you end up, and the sucess you make out of anything depends on what you put into it. There are a dozen better options than ATP that is for sure. And no, you don't need college degree to have a Pilot career. It just might take longer working at a regional or LCC for a while but it's doable. If I were 18 again, I would do a community college with flight training included. 2 years of that and get associates degree with Commercial Pilot certificarte and optional CFI. Then go work as a CFI, Survey Pilot, or skydive jump Pilot till around 1200. At 1200 hours go fly frieght at a part 135 cargo company. And at 1500 hours go to a regional. From there upgrade and/or go to an LCC or ACMI cargo outfit. Build around 3000 hours total with 500-1000 TPIC and you will be a good candiate for a Major/Legacy even without a degree. While doing those steps, take online classes to finish the degree online. Networking can also increase your odds of making it. I should take you around 6 years and a buck fifty. good luck.