An associate’s degree is typically a two-year degree, and is often offered by community colleges or career colleges.  They used to be somewhat looked down on, but these days there are all sorts of jobs you can get with an associate’s degree.  Here are a few examples.

• Dental hygienists.  You can get a pretty good (and well-paying) job as a dental hygienist with just an associate’s degree on the subject.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these workers averaged between $25 and $35 an hour in 2006.
• Golf instruction and/or management.  With a golf associate degree, you can get some pretty good jobs in golf, just about anything from teaching the sport to managing a golf business.
• Registered nurse.  Nursing is facing a severe shortage right now, so not only are there tons of jobs for RNs with associate’s degrees, but many employers also offer programs to help you complete your degree if you don’t have it yet.

There are tons of good jobs for graduates of associate degree programs, and quite a few of these jobs pay quite well — the jobs listed above are only a few of those available.  Before you commit to a bachelor’s degree, you might want to research associate’s degrees and the jobs you can get with them, and see if perhaps you would be able to pursue your career having spent only two years in school instead of four!

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