You can do it in the same amount of time and half the cost Part 61.

I really can't wrap my head around people spending $70,000 on that nonsense.

You do realize ATP is part 61, right?

And I challenge you to find a way to get Pvt, ME, SE, Com, Inst, M/SEII, for anything less than about $70k.

Honestly there is nothing wrong with ATP from what i have experienced.... nothing but fun so far. all day every day its flying flying and more flying. (dont forget studying studying and more studying) everyone shares the same passion and you make good connections since everyone is flowing in and out on crew, going on to instructing, going to airlines/corporate and what not. really enjoyable.

as far as the forced checkrides. they are not really forced on you.... take it as a test in highschool. you know its coming up, study for it and pass it.

Some places, I could possibly see 55-60k for private through MEI. Not here in Vegas though. There's a reason the pilot supply is tightening, because not everyone can afford to spend the 55-70k and all the time it takes to get to ATP minimums. Many of the pilots coming out of Riddle end up having spent between 80-120k with the degree costs included.

You could probably do it cheaper at a flying club, if one is available to you. However, not all flying clubs have twins and not all of them provide instruction. Financing could be an issue as well. As always, individual results and circumstances my vary.

As I've said before, ATP isn't the best choice and it isn't the worst choice.

I trained at ATP and all I can say is that it is a firehose to the face. It isn't for everyone and the company has no patience for people who fall behind. All ground is self study but they give you the resources to succeed if you truly want it. If you fail they will take your money and you will be screwed. I witnessed one person get kicked out for failing a written test and walking away with a $75k private pilots license . . . No joke. The experience you get is great. There is no other place that will put you in a twin and send you across the country. If you are older with a lot of opportunity, not a lot of time and mature enough to handle the course load then I would recommend it. If you are 19 and looking for a cool lifestyle, I'd say go get a degree first. Also remember that programs like embry riddle are mostly a part 142 school. You will do very little flying in a real plane. If you want an aviation degree program there are many other options such as UND, OU, Louisiana Tech, Spartan etc.

You know any LA Tech graduates?

My friend went to ATP and ended up finishing up elsewhere because they took all his money just the way you describe it. There are places where you can pay as you go, this would be 100% the way to go, otherwise they'll rob you silly.

When I left ATP, the school refunded ALL unused funds. If someone is "walking away with a $75k private pilots license" then that person needs to seek legal assistance.

Easy. Buy a 150/152, do your PP-ASEL, IA, training for CP and hour building in it. Finish the ratings in rentals. 30-35k total (buy right and you'll get your money back from the 150/152).
I'm about to finish my IA and the total cost is around 2000USD including knowledge test, DPE fee, hours and CFII instruction.