Degree is the smart move. It will feed you when flying wont. I see a lot of youngesters getting into the Helicopter world. I tell them the three things they need. A College Degree, ATP, and Mulit IFR. As a helicopter type they will keep you from becoming hungry. When they are new at the flying game its time building for a couple years to get hirable hours, after that start eating at that degree while you work on getting a job flying Multi IFR. For a Helicopter Pilot, about as good as it gets. The degree will get you in management or related jobs if by chance your medical goes south or you tire of flying.