There is a marked difference in how the degree qualified pilots tackle problems both in the air and dealing with documentaion on the ground.
The degree pilots follow the format, problem definition, research, develope a solution then document. Which is what your taught with a degree.
The none degree educated tend to pinpoint solutions from previous experence which works sometimes and gets more successful with high levels of experence. But if the problem is a new problem this is extremely wastful of time and generally the solution isn't particularly effective or works for other reasons than the ones presumed which can then lead it to fall over if the situation changes.
Really? That's a massive generalisation and probably an unfair one. I doubt that spending 3 years or longer at uni (well, discounting the ludicrous holidays) teaches you skills that spending 3 years in another career or doing something else couldn't do when it comes to solving mid air problems, or even when it comes to filling out documentation. It doesn't make a blind bit of difference really as it all comes down to the aptitude of the person in question.