I operated heavy equipment after high school for over a year to save money for college. I chose business finance as a major because it seemed like something worth learning.

I finished in three years because I didn’t have the traditional “college experience” of partying and sports and summers off. I worked 2-3 part time jobs at any given time and always extra classes. I didn’t sleep much.

I worked in finance for two years and had enough saved to cover my living expenses and all my flight training when I decided to make the career switch.

Is a degree worth the money/time? Depends on your life experience. I have zero debt from college or flight training, and I have a decent fall back if I lose my medical between now and retirement.

There are lots of ways to make a good living in this industry without a degree as well, and for a guy in his 40’s the cost/benefit of college is a lot different. If I was a young regional pilot with nothing else to do on overnights besides social media and avocado toast, I can’t see how you would justify not doing an online degree.