There isnt no flight colleges around there that I know of, im going to get a degree in network admin plus basic electronics, AC/DC electricial, and maybe some digital stuff too. This is just a two year degree at a local community college. I dont have any desire for a 4 year university. College is more fun anyway. Its more relaxed and if you dont want to go, you just skip the class. Math is pretty important thought, being a pilot may require good math skills but I am not sure. Someone who is a pilot would have a better answer on it. I bombed history class, the only parts I was interested in was from 1939 to present. History is not needed for 95% of the jobs, so I wouldnt worry about it.
A local flight school would be best to start out as a small aircraft pilot. Affordability between college and flight school depends on what tuition is there, books, etc. 15 credit hours for is is about $1200, books will be maybe $300. I am getting a grant so everything will be paid for since I am considered very low income on my 2006 1040.
NCTC's tuition is really cheap. It may be easier to go to college and get a nice paying job, then you wont have to worry about finances later on. I am wanting to be a light aircraft pilot, but at this point in time I am going to finish college and get a better paying job. Its less stressful then worrying about paying bills working minimum wage.
Going to college pretty much just makes things easier later on in life.
This is just me though. Im just a lowly meatwad trying to do better in life

EDIT - For flying jobs it may require you be pretty sharp. A little studying, reading, and learning and you will do just fine