Schools, pro and con
I'd suggest you run a thorough search on Regional Airline Academy. I would just say that it's not what it's cracked up to be.
Despite the opinions of at least two forum members, a four-year degree is essential to ensure a level playing field for hiring. Thus, you are wise to incorporate it in your plans.
I instructed at MAPD. I like the program because it works. Those who follow the program get interviews at Mesa Airlines at 300 hours. A San Juan College Associates in Aviation Technology is part of the program in Farmington, and you might be able to transfer prior credits and only require its aviation courses to graduate. However, your Associate's and a San Juan College Associate's don't add up to a Bachelor's. You would still need at least 30 hours at a four-year school for your Bachelor's.
I would
not recommend getting your Private beforehand if you choose MAPD. MAPD's training is based on Mesa Airlines line procedures and the thought processes you acquired beforehand might impede being trained the Mesa way. Moreover, according to the
MAPD website, you still must complete MAPD's Private training, so it wouldn't be worth it to earn a Private beforehand. In addition, I found that students who are trained from zero time in one program do better than those who earned their Privates elsewhere and must be indoctrinated their new school's way.
Before you commit to Pan Am, drive down U.S. 1 and visit
FlightSafety Academy in Vero. I instructed there as well. FSI is expensive, but you get what you pay for in terms of good training and name recognition. The aircraft are extremely well maintained and the facilities are first class. Cost is comparable to Pan Am.
Finally, while we're talking about Florida schools, run a board search on Comair (DCA). As with MAPD, the Comair program can lead to an airline interview, but suffice it to say that it is not everyone's cup of tea.
Hope that helps some more. Good luck with the training provider you choose.