Went threw Ohio States program. They actually do a good job for the most part in the teaching sense. What i found it lacked was driving students. It tended to let certain students just drift threw months of getting nothing done.(making the cost even higher) Add some Ohio over cast to the mix and you might get a little rusty. It seems to be changing now though. They also need a better transition into a higher level>regionals, etc. They have good instructor and great SIMs, a variety of A/C.
Every one says that a back up plan is a good idea. It is. Lot's of people get burnt out trying to build hours when they are making no money, you need to pay your student loans, you knock up your girlfriend. Certain entry level jobs won't won't even pay your student loans.
The guard is a great choice as stated but do some research because as stated, if you listen to the wrong person you will be flying drones instead of F16's. The C27j at Mansfield look fun to fly. they take care of you. and you can work another civilian job so you don't get burnt out on flying.
Hope this helps. Try to get a job in a smaller company or flight school and you can network, talk to people as they are transitioning to the new levels. you will be able to get on a personal level with them and find out what your path will be like.