I think this has gone off topic a little...

The important thing for the long haul to being a Airline Pilot is to get a college degree. It doesn't matter in what, but as others have said get it in something you like outside of aviation as a backup skill if things go bad, like lost of medical, 911 type event etc.

Ultimately there is the possibility that a degree may not be needed but again as others have said they will always take a degreed person 90% of the time over a non degree person. Networking would be key to making that work. In college you meet a lot of people which help kick start a network to help you if you don't have someone who can help you get in. That can be why ERAU can be helpful in that matter.

One option could be get your flying licenses outside of colleg at your local FBO and get a AA at a local college. Finish your BA at ERAU to get the networking help as a cost savings way to do stuff. I personally did my 4 year degree at ERAU and made a lot of good friends which has helped me a little getting started. I knew no one in aviation when I started. So the name does help in some ways like people I have never met willing to throw me a bone to move ahead in my career.

No matter what you do, there will be times when your done that you will be able to say had I done it this way I could have saved so much money. Hindsight is 20/20.

Good luck either way.