You know, you're just the right age to be an intern or an assistant. What kind of photographer do you want to be? Wedding season is starting up. Find a local photag who wants an assistant. Go on a few shoots, shadow him/her, see if it's the lifestyle you want.
Photography classes in college will teach you a lot about compositional theory, and it will provide an excellent environment for really good feedback and criticism. Some programs will also enable you to network.
Many schools offer a major in visual arts or studio or something similar. You then have the option to concentrate in one area such as photography.
I'm about to hire a wedding photographer, and whether s/he went to RISD, NYU, or Joe Shmoe's Kolij won't really make a difference. I'm looking at portfolios and listening to reviews from friends.
If you're planning to go into journalism, that's another story. I don't know much about that, but I bet your local newspaper wouldn't mind an intern.