I think a degree is more of a requirement than what the posting says, but they don't want to exclude people that don't hsve one but have something very desirable to make up for it like being a sim instructor or former military or Check airmen (although there's plenty of those). I would count on needing it for a very long time because there are so many apps, there isn't a pilot shortage at mainline level. Also it's a wise idea to have a degree as a backup God forbid you lose your medical.