JamesNoBrakes

This is good advice. I worked at a big 141 Univ. About 80-90% of the time, pilots in the "transition" course (after getting their PP elsewhere) had serious deficiencies and need significant training to get up to private standards. The biggest issue with price is motivation, study, and everything you do to be prepared. You can literally know just about everything before it's "taught", as well as understanding the maneuvers and subject areas. The simple way to say it is "read the Airplane Flying Handbook, Pilot's Handbook of Knowledge, Aeronautical Information Manual, and part 91 front to back and back to front, many times until it's second nature". That's a bit vague, but the general idea is sound and being prepared and active will significantly cut down flying cost (go observe other's flights in your off-hours, get involved with flying clubs and teams, etc).

Now, if you do have the intention of doing the "big 141 university" thing, I highly suggest degrees in ENGINEERING sciences and the like. These are truly valuable in the industry. Ever want to work up to test pilot for something like Cessna, Gulfstream, Boeing, etc??? Nasa? You'll need this.

Otherwise, go for a useful degree at the university of your choice and do the ATP thing as suggested. Get a job that can pay for you to get some of your ratings. Don't borrow money to do it.