As someone who is working in an aviation data science related field, I offer the following.
You will get similar if not better pay, as an aviation data scientist. (Think net zero targets, fuel burn, contrail minimisation, etc)
You will get every night/weekend at home.
You will be able to make firm commitments beyond the next roster cycle.
You can still work for an airline if you want.
You will be able to afford to buy a house.
You may even be able to afford to buy a house and do the type of flying you want to do.
And lastly, most of the data jobs I know of are pretty much all WFH.
Id stick with the degree...