Now I know this has been discussed alot, and I know that alot of airlines are making it a requirement to hold a 4yr degree. My question to you is during the next few years and with the high demand of pilots been needed. How long will airlines if any hire applicants that hold no degree what so ever? I'm going through training right now and am just trying to prepare for the next steps and am just curious if taking online college courses ontop of the flight training will be too stressful or not?

I've been wondering the same thing. I'm planning on getting a degree in aviation science through my FBO at the same time I'm getting my ratings and building hours after high school (I'll have my PPL by next summer).

Get a degree in something else - Aviation Science is not a good way to cover your bases.

-LAFF

What is up with all this nervousness to continue ones education?

Just do it! I'm working full time (enlisted AF), and taking on a full course load through distance learning. Substitute the full time job for a full time flight training environment next summer, and I'll still be taking on a 12 or 16 hour semester next summer.

Just do it! Quit asking others if they think you can do it. Only one who can anwser that questions is you. If you continue to second quess your potential, don't expect anyone else to give you much credit for any potential.

My problems wasn't time, but money. It's hard to work, fly, and go to school. You should do it- anyway you can, no matter how long it takes. You don't need a college degree to get an "airline" job, but what airline will hire you? Mesa? If you want to work for a good airline or a major, get the degree (not in aviation).

S121 - I did my AA, BS, and CCNA all while on active duty - overseas, working rotating shifts. It took me 6 years to finish but it was well worth it...

Some people give up , but most of them just don't even try. My classes were full of MSgt's at 18-20 years in service trying to finish before their retirement...Unfortunately, many of our enlisted troops never use their education benefits.

-LAFF

Which is very VERY sad LAFF.

Even after the VA reimburses me my 60% of the minimum requirements for the advanced training I will be taking, I'll still have close to 21k left for continued education (at a full time rate). I'll be darned if I don't use it.

The demand for pilots is cyclical...right now there is a relatively high demand at the regional level, so you should be able to get a regional job without a degree. But the degree helps to get hired at a better regional, and you will almost certainly be stuck at the regional level without one.

If hiring slows down, the regionals will use the degree as another weeding out criteria...you will never even get considered.

You can safely assume that you will never get a major airline job without a 4-year degree, and a masters will help. Before somebody chimes in that they got a major job with 1.7 GPA and a GED, I will acknowledge that there is always the 1 in 500 exception to the rule...do you feel lucky?

It is...Before you get out - make sure the first thing you do is stop by the education center and ask about the $600 for the GI Bill topup investment. The education center will know what I'm talking about...

For a one time $600 investment on your part you get another $5400 in benefits.

-LAFF