I think people are over reacting to the notion that Delta might be dropping the 4 year degree requirement. The SSP bridge program that was included in Pinnacle's concessionary contract says that pilots must meet the minimum requirements set by Delta, which includes having a degree. There was a rumor going around Pinnacle at the time of the voting that our MEC President had a "vault letter" from Delta management saying that the degree was not required, however no one has seen this letter and I think it was a tactic to get the guys that don't have a degree to vote yes. I would be surprised if Delta hires even 1 pilot from the SSP agreement without a 4 year degree.

On a side note, some of the best pilots I have ever flown with don't have a college degree. To me it means nothing more than a piece of paper that says you have the perseverance to finish something you've started, it in no way increases your ability to safely transport passengers from point A to B.