Yes...absolutely...for sure...definately...oh ya...no question...of course...undoubtedly...certainly...
(Insert more synonyms for the word yes here)
YES!
I cannot stress how important getting a college degree is. First, in my opinion, I believe you WILL NOT be hired at a major without one. Second, we are beginning to see the day where regionals will start requiring them (again, this should come and go with demand). Even if a college degree is not "required", it is definately "highly preferred."
Example: Two guys come into an interview. Similar amount of time. Similar flying skills. I believe in this situation, the tie breaker goes to the guy with the 4 year college degree.
Some other reasons to get a 4 year degree. It should be the best 4 years of your life. Education is so important.
Imagine you get furloughed from your flying job (@ a regional). You've been there for 10 years, making 80k a year. You have a family to feed. What are your options?
Without a college degree, majors are probably out of the question, so realistically you would have to start all over at the bottom of a regional as FO making 20k a year.
With a college degree, you can move onto a major. Or perhaps the industry sucks and you want to get out of aviation. It will be a lot harder to find a good job without a college degree.
I would recommend a degree outside of aviation because it can be a good backup incase you decide you don't want to fly anymore, or you get laid off, or you loose your medical. I know this response was somewhat harsh, but I have a strong belief that education is very important. If nothing else, being educated should make you a better person.
I highly recommend getting a college degree!!!