100 percent without a doubt must obtain a college degree to be competitive when applying for a job with one of the major commercial airlines (in the United States at least.) I would recommend your idea of ERAU or another University offering programs that partner with Airlines. Here are a few others: Arizona State University, Purdue University, University of North Dakota, Oklahoma State University. You can find additional University options by going to AeroSearcher and typing in “aviation universities” to the general aviation tab. Good luck!