TeaTowel
A different model,as I previously suggested, may be the answer to what you seem to be indicating here. There is nothing IMHO that is inherently wrong with a college degree. It is the time and money spent that does not really lead towards better piloting that makes me take a second look here. There are some universities that offer credit towards work experience,and offer flexible schedules. Even online.Some universities offer 35 credits,or so, for a CFI with experience. This is an aviation degree though. These can't really be used outside, and that decreases the actual value, as you have indicated. Seems like getting a degree with no real value is what bothers me about the entire process. A person could also easily find himself still in school when airlines are hiring, and no longer hiring when he finishes. Heavy debts from loans may prevent the aspiring aviator from accepting that first job offer.