I'll start this out with one thing, flying isn't cheap, so even the "cheapest" route is going to cost at least $50,000. Anyways, finding ways to build your time by riding with other pilots, or with a 135 freight guy(logging the empty part 91 legs) are great ways to build time and even more so, actual real-world flying experience!!! Other things include just getting and keeping jobs during your training, minimizing the expenditures and keeping some cash-flow. Every small job helps. Definately get a degree, and i don't care what it's in, just get one!!