Ahh...I do know 1st hand...as for the degree requirement, not sure what the original program from the '60's required, however, not the case in '89. Had to have a 2year degree, but you could NOT have a 4year, or you couldn't qualify, as that would make you a normal A.O.C. While in college, you had a choice of AVROC,ROTC, NAVCAD, or Marine Corps PLC. Once you got the degree, the only way was AOC. I went Navy, since I wanted to join the military (USN), not a new religion (USMC).

Didn't matter though, as you correctly pointed out, the program went away while at AOCS, (thank you Graham/Rudman bill). After AOCS, you were considered an E-4 until flight training completion, then you got your butter-bars, then RAG squadron, etc.,etc.

Hope that answered your question, (and my memory is correct...20 years is a long time).