I've always understood that the best programs are in the UK. Plus there are a lot more lower level pro series to get a start in. Over here a degree alone won't get you much. You have to volunteer a lot of your time to get a start (for what I've experienced) since most teams have very limited budgets.
I'm comfortable with ropes and chainsaws haha. Seriously though that sounds badass, and if the state pays you well than that's all the better. Frickin sign me up.