The only thing guaranteed in aviation is that the aircraft will come back to the ground one way or another. We haven’t left one up there yet!
There are no shortcuts, and many external factors beyond our control that will shape a flying career.
Timing (very much beyond our control) is your biggest advantage at the moment with historic career progression and potential.
It’s always been a matter of being in a position to apply to the airlines at the right time with the right competitive quals.
So far the magic 8-ball points to good hiring prospects in the next 6 years (the minimum age for her to get an unrestricted ATP rating).
As for a backup degree, keep in mind that the hiring was good all the way up to September 10th, 2001.