Start with $50K of debt for training (add another $50K for lost opportunity cost due to not working in your college major field).

Then two years of flight instruction for $10-20K with no bennies (maybe $30K if you get a really sweet deal).

Then probably 1-2 years night freight in small piston airplanes $20-35K

Then start at a regional airline as a first officer (FO) for $15-25K. This will go up to $25K-$40K second year, depending on the company and airplane.

In the current climate, expect to remain an FO for 5-10 years, with slight pay raises along the way. It's possible that you could get hired by a major airline from this point, without upgrading to captain. Once you do upgrade to regional Captain, you will make $55-$80K.

Not in the slightest. There is a possible regulatory change coming which might make it somewhat easier for aviation college grads to get airline jobs, but it won't really change the normal path for someone like you.

Comfortably? Probably about 10-12 years in, when you are a regional CA or major FO. You could get a modest condo or very modest house as a regional FO if you scrimp and save.

Read all the info here. Finish your degree, You will need it.

Consider working in your degree field for a year or two before you commit to flying.

I always liked to fly, and pre-9/11 the career opportunities looked pretty good. Now the career looks pretty bad but In still like to fly. I have alternative means to make money, which turned out to be pretty fortunate.