A degree costs more and takes longer than a modular fATPL, so getting one should be considered a luxury, it certainly shouldn't be considered a useful step into aviation, the US excluded obviously..
It's very very simple to find training: foolproof even.
1 get a job.
2 get a second/third job.
3 move in with your parents.
4 don't smoke, drink or procreate.
5 borrow just enough to establish decent credit.
6 actually know what a fATPL will cost you, then save half and borrow half.
In the UK, budget £40k to be employable as a cadet.
2 years of living like a monk and you'll have £20k, then split the rest across multiple loans and 0% credit cards.