That's correct, astronaut wings, a master's degree, running a full time charity. This is how it has worked since the beginning of time. They will set the bar as high as they can then slowly lower it as needed to fill classes.

It stinks because the next ten years looked so good six months ago but here we are. A decade ago I had F-18 drivers pulling gear for me for $21 / hour. At least this time they will get $38.

What a glorious career.