They're much smarter than you think

The people telling you to go to a state university and do your ratings on the side are the smart ones. Your certificate doesn't say where you went and there's no requirement in this industry that you have to have an "Aviation" degree. Do yourself a favor and get a degree in something universal like communication or management in case this industry tanks, or something prevents you from flying like a loss of medical.

I spent an extra year at St. Louis U (Parks is the aviation/engineering school) and got a second degree from the business school. I may never use it but having that fall-back makes me a lot more confident about the future.

St. Louis University
Male 5,190 42%
Female 7,119 58%