First, my position: Have a good degree and a 'normal' job, realised at the age of 26 that I wanted to fly. Bit of a late vocation.
Two years ago, if I knew what I know now, I'd have said age is on your side, focus on getting airline sponsorship & get yourself ATPL'ed as soon as possible.
Right now, alas, the job market's depressed. If I were in your position, I'd look at wethering the storm. AeroEng isn't an easy degree but it would put you in strong position for ATPL theory. I'd suggest you go for the degree. Hopefully by the time you don the gown, things will be rosier and there'll be more opportunities to build a flying career - with much less risk. You'll be in your early twenties, pretty marketable, and with something to fall back on if things don't take off - pun intended.
I'm now 29 and will start ATPL Distance Learning pretty soon, after which I'll pack in the dayjob to take things further. I'd prefer to wait a couple of years but age is starting to count against me. Aww, cue the violins - and pass my zimmer!!