if you are already a Cfi I would have to say go to a full time regular college, don't get an airplane degree and instruct on the side. I know of folks that have done this, myself included. I went to a big twelve university and had a job with a regional lined up before I graduated. When I graduated, I had about 2000 hours of which nearly 600 was multi. About 1200 of that was cfi time. If you are worried about having enough free time, I can assure you that if you manage it well you will be fine. I had a very active social life in college and was very active in my fraternity as well as other campus activitys and still had plenty of time to fly. It did take me 5 years to graduate but I think that was mainly due all the fun I was having rather due to flying. I did a lot of studying at the flight school between students. I also flew a pt 91 corporate cessna 310 for a medical company in addition to teaching and I would do school work when I was sitting at random fbos waiting on the guys. It's all about time management.

 

If you don't go back now, you'll be posting the same question in two years... and you could be halfway to your degree by then.

Why do you want to go back? Is there something specific you want to learn? Do you want the "college experience?" Those are probably more important reasons to go back to college (not online college) than just to get a degree so you can check a box.

I doubt any sensible person would tell you getting a college education is "taking a step backwards!" Not having a degree may hold you back.

You need to evaluate what you want our of your life and your career. At 22, you have plenty of time: I started college when I was 22 and started flying professionally when I was 29. Being the junior man on any airline seniority list is not a good place to be right now. The airlines worth working for aren't hiring, and it will probably stay that way for a while. It's probably a great time to go to college, meet some interesting people, learn something new, learn something you're interested in, and all that goes with higher education. (Most of) the airlines will be there when you've graduated... if that's where you want to go next.

 

It is possible to instruct and attend school full time. I did my undergrad full time while instructing part time, and I'm doing my Masters full time right now and instructing (almost) full time.

If your job is inflexible, find a degree program that is flexible. Online courses usually serve this need.

If your job is flexible, and you live near a good university or college that has a degree program you're interested in, then do classes in residence.

If you manage your time well, you can do both at the same time very successfully. A degree is the best investment you can make in your career and personal development. And with the economy the way it is, the timing is good for advanced education.

 

If you ever want to make it out of the regional level you'll certainly want a degree.

 

This question would probably be best asked in another forum, but, what schools do you think give you the best opportunities to get a part-time corporate gig?

 

Don't worry about being 22 and starting now.. I didn't even consider going to a 4 year college until I was 21.

Time sure is skewed when your 22 and maybe tired of instructing, wondering when that big break will come. Trust me, you have plenty of time. If you got hired with a major right now, you would have 43 years with them... 43 years! That is almost twice as long as you've been alive, and I'm sure you can't remember a lot of your life when you were young.

Take it slow and enjoy the journey. Go to college (not an aviation college PLEASE), instruct full time or on the side, and enjoy the experience! You married?.. Because if not, taking girls up flying will be a huge advantage for you.

btw, I only say the aviation college because I went that route. You will save a lot of money and have other skills in case you decide to back out of aviation.

Good Luck! I wish I did it that way.. state school and CFI/MEI.. oh well.