Alien Pilgrim
There's a lot of good advice here. I'd like to add another twist or two.
First of all, get a trade. Manual labor will always be needed, and it's good for you. You don't have to be journeyman, just able. Learn a few different things that you can use to make ends meet, even if the market falls apart. People need certain things. A handyman or auto mechanic is always needed simply because people don't know how to do things anymore. Get dirty. It's a great education. I don't mean to necessarily pursue it as a career, but it'll always be there to fall back on, and gives you great ability to minister to people and get into their houses where you can witness. Over the years we've found that we can live on just about any income, and I can always make a living of some sort. I've no "career" so to speak, but God has been gracious and given me jobs that have always put food on my table. We've had years of almost nothing, and years of great bucks coming in. Diversity counts for something, and adds flexibility.
Second, I wouldn't base any education on being a "youth pastor" (you won't find "youth pastors" in the Bible). If you desire this then go for it with the mentality that you're going to be a pastor of a huge, mature church. Too many think of youth pastors as second best. Don't cheat yourself. Get the deepest, best education you can so that you can divide God's Word accurately and proclaim it to any group, regardless of their generation. If you find a position as a youth pastor, great, but God may change your perspective as you pursue education. Whatever you do, make sure you're serving wherever you are. Get involved and minister to God's people.
Third (in number only), go on a few mission trips to gain perspective. Trips to central Mexico, Central America, South America, Central Aftrica or any poor or third world country would be one of the best educations you could get. Get away from the apathetic affluence of the US. Share your burden with your church, then as you go through college and get prepared for your "career" you can gain perspective. Maybe they can help send you on trips as a ministry to missionaries. Many missionaries come back to the US and are just plain sickened by how spoiled we are. We take luxury for granted, like it's a "right."
Always keep in mind that we're about ministering to PEOPLE. Sometimes our academics mess up our perspective. Get a heart for people, for the souls of mankind. "The Minister as Shepherd" by Jefferson is a great little book to help with perspective.
A proper view of what's really important will help anyone gain a better vision of eternity.
My err... three cents. Guess I got going there...
Just some advice. Take it or leave it. 
I was brought back down to earth. I certainly do not know what will happen in the future. I must pray and seek the Lord's guidance. May the Lord's will be done! Again, thanks for the refreshingly truthful comments.
uzzled:
