6 and outter with 3 years left... Are you even qualified yet? I was in PPWS quals as a second class, and I tell you, you should definitely find your niche and push it hard. Qualify everything you can. Take as much responsibility as you can handle, and make yourself valuable. That, and a degree, you should find yourself in a good spot when you get out. Most SRO positions require PPWS, PPWO, or RO/RT experience for 2 years. If you are not staying in the field, take pace classes or online classes in a field you foresee yourself in. It seems that most companies wont care if you have a degree as an NLO, HOWEVER, in the long run, I REALLY can't see a degree hurting you at all. If you can do it easily, why not eh?
and to answer your question about finding a job -> It seems that when you get out its going to be hit or miss. If you fall into a hiring cycle, you should seemingly be picked up fairly quickly... however, be prepared to spend many hours a day searching for jobs... trust me -> It sucks!
EDIT : not trying to bash the guy, just want him to have his priorities straight, thats all.