It’s a tough time to break into the industry right now. Lots of people working jobs they are over-qualified for and wages that are behind the times, and you’ll have to starve for a while before you make any real money.
tongue point in astoria has a seamanship program where you would come out with an ab and/or qmed. this may be a cheaper and quicker route than an academy.
if you have any mechanical aptitude going the engine route may be better. in general there is usually more of a need for engineers.