There are plenty of places online where you can get a 4 year degree in 2 1/2 years as you can get credits for prior aviation exp. For example, Utah Valley is a great place to do that and I know many people who are way past the age of 35 who have done that with them. I'm sure there are others as well. Bottom line, there is no reason not to get a degree if you really want to make it to the majors. Just have to want to do it.