..or he/she is pursuing an online degree while flying for the regionals. Just another possibility since I know a few people that have done this.

Richest guy in the world dropped out of college.

He may or may not be bitter. When you talk to pilots that had resumes in to the majors around 1997-2001 they have all those stories about UAL and USAir and how it worked. Of course it can go both ways, some places one probably had no chance if they were female or minority.

I think degrees are completely over rated. Play the whole "well it shows committment and a willingness to pursue something". Like being a professional pilot isn't hard enough? 20k a year starting out is enough for dedication. I think when the hiring starts in 3-5 years, they wont give a rats behind about a degree. What does it change in the cockpit? Absoutely nothing.

I wonder how things would have been different if the regionals required a four year degree?

You really think top-tier airlines will have a lack of highly qualified candidates with a 4-year degree to fill their vacancies?

No thats not what he said. Does a four year degree improves your flying skills and your experience?? Ask anyone and they will tell you no. I know guys with a four year degree in accountings, psychology or journalism. Does that make them a better pilot no. Honestly a four year degree does not mean much anymore in the world of employment since most people these days pursue masters anyways.

Matter of fact a few weeks ago we had a Delta jumpseater and were talking about Delta preferences. He mentioned that when mass retirements happen there probably won't be enough qualified applicants with a four year degree. So it will become highly recommended but not required.

I do have a four year degree and guess what? It does not make me a better pilot. It is just a piece of paper that cost me an extra 10 grand that I am paying it off now.

You're right...but that's basically what is implied with "they won't give a rat's behind about a degree".

No, it doesn't. Like I said upthread, a degree will be used as a screening tool, much like total time, an ATP, a FEX written or a certain number of turbine PIC time.

There's no need to remove having a bachelor's degree as a basic requirement so long as vacancies can be filled with pilots meeting said requirement...and there won't be any shortage of qualified pilots who have a 4 year degree wanting to work for "better" operators like Delta, FedEx, SWA, UPS, etc. well into the future, even after "mass retirements" begin.

IMO, anybody betting their career progression on retirements causing major/legacy airlines to drop a degree requirement best start preparing themselves for a major let-down...

Agreed 100%. There are only so many qualified pilots and many don't have 4 year degrees. Do the math and the majors are going to have to drop the stupid requirement at some point.

If regionals required a four year bachelor's degree, should it be in a subject related to to the economics or science of aviation?