.

Subsequently, one may also ask, can you be an airline pilot without a degree?

Yes, you can become a pilot, and even get hired by a major US airline without a college degree. However, you GREATLY improve your odds of any of those things happening WITH a college degree.

Likewise, what percentage of airline pilots have college degrees? For copilots, the number requiring a degree ranges between 6 percent at the smallest companies to 18 percent that require a degree for the largest companies (see figure).

Accordingly, does American Airlines require a 4 year degree?

For example, American Airlines doesn't have a requirement for a four-year degree however, the average new-hire pilot has at least a bachelors degree (according to Air Inc). At "least" having a bachelor's degree means that some applicants that were hired have advanced degrees like masters, doctorates, etc.

Why do pilots need a degree?

Pilots don't need a college degree to be able to understand and fly aircraft. To get hired by a major Airline, a 4 year college degree makes one far more competitive. Put yourself in the position of an airline. You have thousands of applicants for every open pilot position, and most do have a college degree.