I think your comment about the "horrible" community college system in California is nonsense. I was a part-time instructor at one of them, and although they don't have the prestige of Harvard, they provide quality education at a bargain price. In particular if you are a marginal student (not sure what you mean by saying you didn't really graduate high school) they are an excellent opportunity to do remedial work or prepare to meet the requirements to transfer to a four-year institution.

And by the way, the purpose of general education is not to prepare you for your career. It's to make you an educated person. If you want to be a professional, not just a glorified bus driver, this is critical. Professionals are educated.

Given the general consensus that for a career flying you need a four year degree but not necessarily a degree in aviation, why would you reject the public universities in California? The quality is excellent, and the tuition is a bargain. You have emphasized your determination to fly... if that's the case, if you know anything about this industry, you know that it is highly unstable and minimizing your education expense would seem prudent.

At your age and given the current state of the industry, it seems to me the best option would be to complete your education. Finish the requirements at your JC to transfer to Cal State or UC, and get the four-year degree in something you enjoy, and that can be a basis for a backup career to flying if you need one.