OK, two analogies, then Ill step back...
1. A degree is a piece of paper. Doesn't matter what is it in, it is a piece of paper.
On that note, do you really think a piece of paper that says you graduated in Aeronautical Science or whatever have you makes you a better pilot?
2. On the road to the airlines, there are choices of how to get there. Lets say your Riddle/UND is a BMW, and flying through your local FBO is a Honda. There are speed limits (regs) and cops (feds) all waiting for you to screw up and slow you down.
Go at it sanely, and you WILL reach your destination. But compare a BMW versus a Honda...how much more did you spend or save to get to the same place?