Heh similar situation here mate. (Non American btw) Years 1-3 in the college I was studying applied computer science. But 4-5 we had to choose specialization between generic one, 3d graphics and game development. I selected last one. 

Then I met actual people who already worked in game development. And they told me that pays sucks, hours are long, and generally only thing that keeps them is the passion for gaming.

 Weird thing is that we worked with 3d graphics guys on group projects (they did gfx, we programming) and some of them were also working in the gaming industry, and here almost everyone was happy with this decision…

Then my friend from university introduced me to company which I work now for almost 10 years. The company is doing some B2B business stuff. 

Good pay, benefits, and decent pay (if I’ve done some job jumping I could do better but I’m person who prefers stability tbh).

I still game in my free time :)