a 4 year degree is turning as worthless as a high school degree 10 years ago.

So having a 4 year degree in "business" or "psychology", without any experience in the field, is as useless as an aviation degree outside of aviation.

Lets fact it. If you are a pilot, put some years in, and leave the industry, you are taking a big pay cut with whatever route you choose for the next adventure. The good news is with LTD own occupation, losing your medical will not be the death blow it was a time ago.

I just think the antiquated advice of "get a degree in something besides aviation" really is not relevant any longer, because a BA in something without experience will pay nothing as well.

Speed equals seniority. Get a degree in aviation, you can get it the quickest, and get on with the airline. You will be much better off getting hired at UAL 2 years earlier with a degree in aviation vs 4 years from now with a degree in "business"