It does show a certain amount of commitment and discipline regardless of the type of degree.

Indeed it does.

Doesn't mean I agree with it, big that's "just the way it is".

Now, when I was at the regionals, I knew guys that were getting their degree online. It's NOT EASY, but can be done.

I have reasons for not doing the college thing. yeah, I get it, but it still sucks that's how the hiring goes.

Fair enough, but that's the parameters/boundaries/rules.

It also shows you have the ability to pay for a degree as well. If it didn't cost much, or was free, more of us would have degrees. In 2009, I couldn't get any more student loans to finish my degree up. Now I'm paying for my student loans, so I can afford to only take 1 class per semester.

Why didn't you at least complete your AA/AS while in the military Its free and taught right there on base. I used to counsel my young airmen that they were foolish if they did not take advantage of the FREE education. If you paid into the GI bill its not too late. Finish your degree and eliminate the worry. Just my $.02

Wait, in the military and didn't get a degree? Nothing more than lack of effort. That's not theory, that's fact. I did it.

(I do have to explain to FedEx why it took 8 years. I was deployed a lot. If that doesn't cut it, it's their policy and that's great - they own the jets, they make the rules.)

Degree or NO Degree?
That will always be a question with no direct answer from any employer. I actually took a break from flying to finished my degree, but I didn't do it for the airlines, I did it for my own ego and self esteem! I remember being told by an HR personnel once that the degree requirement was the only way to trim the resume file to just a handful of applicants. Basically its supply and demand; if they're hiring 100 pilots with 10000 applications on file, you can't expect the airlines to physically screen all of those resumes. But if its the other way around, they will basically accept anyone, regardless.

Everyone is counting on the big shortage - yet there are plenty of guys still waiting for a call.

I'd highly recommend getting a "real" degree regardless. Something that can be leveraged outside aviation if need be.

The degree shows several things:

1. You are 'educable,' obvious benefit to employer.
2. You are serious about self improvement, same benefit.
3. You can stick it out for a while, same benefit.
4. You want to provide greater benefit to employer, see above.
5. While you are at it, do it in a discipline outside aviation (long-term potential benefit to you, just in case)
6. Let your aviation training and experience cover the difference.
7. Avoid totally bull**** programs - forget underwater basket weaving - type programs. Probably better to avoid 'general arts and sciences' programs - they are perceived as less serious, academically. Also, avoid heavy majors with a lot of tough required courses (unless you're a natural at that kind of stuff) - you don't need that and it's much more time-consuming and difficult.

How much of this makes you a better pilot, I leave to your (and HR's) judgement. It does make you a better person, and that's why they care about it.

But it's real, and in today's hiring marketplace, just do it. And while you're doing it, find ways to enjoy it - take some courses that interest you (ie: fun!) and figure out the best instructors where you are studying - they stretch your brain with a larger benefit -pain ratio, and that's good.

I finished my undergraduate degree at age 24, three schools and military service later. I was better for it. After the first hire, the specifics didn't matter much.