Very true, that’s why I’m thinking this degree situation will take longer. Now that I am a new father my time at home is limited as well, just need to figure out the right balance. But this is a situation that many find themselves in I’m sure. I’m not one to regret things in life but I do really wish I would have knocked my degree out in my early 20’s. That was hard to do being in the military though, so it is what it is.

You don't need a degree to work at most regionals. Lack of money and not wanting to incur ridiculous student loan debt are good reasons to not get one, especially if you already have the job/career you want.

I feel your pain. Same situation for me. Captain now and retired military. I found out I have about 26 months worth of GI Bill left. I got about 56 credits worth years ago at ERAU, but have to retake some of those classes. I'm going to get my duff back into online school and finish it up.

Unless you were on the hiring committee at Delta. Then you'd throw the app in the garbage once you saw the degree wasn't completed in 4 years. Ridiculous, but true. Unless something has changed with that philosophy at Delta within the very recent past.

That is very short sighted.

Furloughs? Going out of business? Loss of medical? etc... not to mention being able to move up to majors or a better airline.

Really no excuse not to get an online degree while at the regionals.

Yeah I've heard about that. I think FedEx does the same thing. Given the number of retirements in the next few years I'm wondering if they can afford to maintain that practice.

It’s a good thing I only put my graduation date on my resume and not the years I was working on my degree. The last I heard the national average was six years to get a bachelors degree.

I believe airline apps which is what delta and united use asks for the start and end date of schools you attended. I think american and southwest use pilot-credentials which is probably similar. So they’ll find out one way or the other.

And. . . Over on the United thread, someone said currently 96 - 98% of their new hires this year have a 4 year college degree.

As some have said, “So you mean there is a chance to get hired without one.” Yeah, don’t hold your breath.

As some have said, “Maybe it will change in the future.” Yeah, don’t hold your breath.

If you want to get to the majors, go get your 4 year degree. Whatever it takes. Otherwise you may (likely will) get stuck where you really didn’t want to retire from.

If a black swan event should ever happen, you can’t get a medical, etc. you have something to fall back on.

The degree requirements will never be dropped as most young pilots entering the career have degrees, and the legacies have shown they care more about education, than experience. The legacies will simply hire pilots with less experience and a degree, vs more experience without a degree.

Also, I would get an aviation degree these days, the days of getting a backup degree are long over. You won't be using it on furlough, or if you lose your medical, etc.