Worked three jobs and crazy hours before leaving for flight school. I'd say I've saved up for flight school since my first paycheck at 14. I was only able to get a small loan, since my parents had just split up and were trying to sell the house we had planned to use as collateral for my loan.
I'd say that I valued the education more since I worked so hard to get there. We had some kids there who didn't really want to be pilots, but their rich parents thought it would be a good idea. We also get study grants and small low-interest loans through the government, which helped a great deal.
A year and a half since I finished with everything and I still don't haven't found a flying job. What I have managed to do is pay off my flight school loans, so at least that's something!