No money, sure cannot make it. Got money, also doesn't mean you'll get in.
Those selected with access to funding have a easier way out, those without funding can also take the hard way of becoming a instructor, ferry pilot, turboprop jockey before eventually moving up into a jet. Or find another job u excel in and eventually buy your own plane or take up flying lessons.
Just worry about getting in, why even bother if existing cadets are smoking or doing whatever they want with their life and/or their parents rich or not. This world isn't fair anyway, deal with it. What if you are on the other side, will you be saying the same meritocracy bs now?