JetBlue also has a zero to hero program:
JetBlue Pilot Gateway Programs
While the degree will do nothing to help you be a better pilot, it should be considered a mandatory prerequisite, don't let it fall by the wayside as you try and get your hours. Keep your driving and criminal records clean, get your degree, get your hours, and with any luck the hiring wave will still be going strong in the time it takes you to get your ducks in a row.
I would not follow awax' advice. Don't get me wrong, I think starting an aviation career now might be too late but I certainly can't know with certainty. His point that you should wait for the ME3 and NAI to resolve themselves would put you into an eternal waiting cycle. There's always an existential threat to the industry and if you wait for all the threats to be alleviated you'll be a 65 year old fireman waiting for that perfect time to start your flying career.