Hey everyone!

First off, I'd like to thank all of you for your time and all the useful information I've read thus far. Unfortunately, like most of these threads, my situation varies slightly from the next and I'm looking forward to your opinions.

About me:
I'm 19, reside in Northern California and have half of my freshman year in (community)college completed (General so far-Math, POS, Comp, etc.--18 units). Like most, I'm looking to live the ''dream" - horizon, freight, regional and especially corporate! I did horrible, in high school, nearly not graduating. Thus far, I've managed A's/B's and a 25 on my ACT I took back during senior year. I didn't have the most privileged childhood, so I was never afforded the time to be around pilots and know little to nothing about the industry(besides the fact that it's in seemingly bad shape). I have only 30ish hours in a 172, so I'm looking to start my training all over again.

Educational Goals:
I've never been to any of these colleges on visits or anything of the sort, but through tedious research (and reliance on the word of others), I think I've been able to narrow it down to these schools, as I'm already looking to get out of the horrible community college system(at least in California).
-ERAU
-Jacksonville U.
-U North Dakota
-San Jose State
*Purdue (Not sure if I have sufficient GPA/credit hour credentials to be accepted)

So far it looks like UND is my best bet for acquiring an BS in some sort of aeronautical field. ERAU and JU are probably far too expensive(which I'm waiting to hear from a step-parent about financial issues). From what I understand, little to none of you recommend getting a degree in this line of work which is somewhat mind-boggling. If it comes down to that, I'd probably go with criminal justice, as a lot of you have said the degree doesn't matter, just have one. I wouldn't mind joining law enforcement, and more or less flying for the local PD, just to pass the time until openings become available. I'm also looking to get around the general education requirements; they vary far too much from state to state, and the fact is, most don't apply to what I want to do.

Other Problems:
-FBO's
I had a horrible experience at my former, and I'm not looking to juggle time between college and my career as I did with high school. I'm not sure that I could handle both at the same time to begin with, which seems to make a institutionalized education more prominent over vocational learning. It isn't completely out of the question, but I don't think I'll survive full-time school and training.
-CFI
From what I understand, CFI is the most commonplace solution to building a repertoire as a pilot. Is there any other advantage to this besides building a base of contacts or gaining experience/hours? I understand that your contacts make and break you in this business, but doesn't it all come down to how you interview? It appears to be a bunch of unncessesary additional training that is just going to further complicate things. Plus the costs of instruction/check rides for this on top of a wellfare-pay. Is it that difficult to get hired as a charter pilot (single engine Cessna's or something of the sort?) or in aerial photography? -- to build hours.

I really appreciate any and ALL feedback. Feel free to suggest schools (although I'd ask we don't turn this into a school flaming fest), financial options, whatever! Like I said, I know little to nothing about this industry, so feel free to put me in my place!
However, I'd also appreciate it if any of you looking to discourage me from becoming a pilot, do not reply.The bottom line is that I want to fly, and I'm going to - one way or another.

Thanks X 10000000000000!
{TS}