I’ve survived not having a degree. It’s merely a measure of your “leaning ability” but there are other yardsticks which can be used. Such as IQ testing. Much as I hate the HR bollox it could be used if one has no degree or “college education”, whatever that is.... I think having passed ATPL exams is also an indicator. Certainly in Europe it used to be the case prior to EASA that the ATPL was equivalent to a first degree (EASA exams are easier) Or, as I’ve been told, you can just buy a degree off t’interweb.