Sara......
One scenario
- Drop out if successfully employed by AL. When asked at the interview state that this is all you have ever wanted to do and it would be foolhardy to wait for a future programme to pop up given the inherent uncertainty that exists within the industry
- Also AL invites applications from employees to study during their careers and will pay towards this. Generally its the ambitous types wanting to undertake MBAs and suchlike and jump across into management. Therefore there is a slim chance that you could complete a higher level qualification after qualifying as a pilot.
Now if it was me I would do the degree (assuming its something relevant) as it demonstrates you completed something and if you don't get an airline job then you will have a career to fall back on. Plus you might lose your medical one day and be out of a job altogether.