Contrary to what everyone your whole life has been telling you, you don't need a college degree to become an airline pilot. That said, I think a college degree is necessary in this career field because you will need something to make your retirement outside of flying. Get a college degree in business or something like that. DON'T get a degree in aviation as it is useless when you get out of the industry. Go straight into flying, and pick up the degree via online courses or distance education. At 16, you could get started on your private pilot certificate at your local FBO. All in all, you need to do what will make you happy, but don't get into flying because you want to make a lot of money. Just some observations.