When I was hired by mesaba for Colgan at the age 20 in April they told me it didnt matter as long as I would be 21 by the time I was off with IOE. Also a buddy of mine was hired at skywest in the same situation, so as long as 21 is in the near future it will be fine. As for a college degree I would rather get my time in first and start making money. Rather then coming out of college with zero time just my opinion on that. Good luck either way bud.