"You don't need a degree to operate an aircraft.
You don't need to graduate high school, to operate
an aircraft."
Not doing what you do. But if you want to work flying jets the airplanes are becoming very sophisticated and the operating environment is becoming more technically demanding every year. Operators want capable people at the controls of their very expensive airplanes, and coming from an accredited aviation college is an asset. But I agree getting an education in something outside of aviation is a smart thing to do if you can.