1) University is good, but not really necessary for being a pilot , and a good degree can cost much less than 50k.
2) When you start the "zero to hero", you don't know to end up with FR for 16,800.
3) 16,800 hopefully will be just the beginning of the career. Tesco cashier maybe will be on a 16,800 salary for the whole life.
4) One day, with the right experience, if FR is not suitable anymore, there are plenty of other companies.