Two thoughts.
First, you can go to university any time in your life, so don't get locked into the mindset that you can only do it now. If you really want to fly for a living, and money is your problem then sort that out first. Graduates only earn about 10-20% more than non-graduates in the early years at most, so add that to the debt and you can see that it will take you much longer to accumulate capital via the university route. Realistically you're going to have to borrow if you're going to do this, so the sooner you can establish your borrowing credentials (ie job, salary, low debt), the better.
I don't want to appear anti-university though, and especially if you do an aviation related degree, I'm sure you may be able to get the best of both worlds. If you do go to university, don't forget about the wonderful
University Air Squadrons. It's one of my great regrets in life that no-one ever told me about these.
Best of luck, whatever you decide to do.