I agree with most--study what interests you. A degree outside of aviation is a great fall back, but if aviation is your passion, you'll enjoy going to class much more if the subject is airplanes. The big aviation schools look pretty good on resumes and are quality operations (Embry Riddle and Univ of N Dakota--they have several locations including Hawaii). I'm finishing my Masters with Embry Riddle and love them.

I would definitely look into the Air National Guard about flying opportunities. I've know two guard Boom Operators that have went on to pilot training. One started flying on the side and eventually got his CFI and worked part time at the local flight school.

Don't rule out active duty military. The commitment seems steep, but its the quickest way to build Jet Pilot In Command time, and that's a big discriminator on pilot applications. Any careeer in aviation definitely beats working in cubicle land somewhere. There's up's and down's, but its always an adventure. Best of luck to you.