Do the degree, go gliding, have fun. Maybe even get a PPL AFTER you have graduated. Once you are qualified for something other than flying and are gainfully employed, look to see if there is a REAL shortage of low houred pilots. If you are still gliding then, I'll guarantee that there'll be a few airline pilots at the club, so you'll get an inside line. If there is a shortage (which I doubt), only then think about a career change, but certainly not before. Taking this line means that you'll have at least one bankable profession and a certainly a good looking CV for an airline. Starting along the airline route now will mean debt, unemployment and poor employability, no fallback position, rubbish CV, limited life experience and all in all, a pretty miserable life.
PM