50K…60K…70K…with a 2-Year Degree? Yes, It's Possible.
by Greg Kennerson

The days of needing a four-year college degree to earn a high salary are over.

With all the diversification and specialization in today's economy, many focused educational programs that last as little as two years can land you a nice salary upon graduation. We're talking over $50,000 a year - and maybe more. After a few years, you may be able to take your salary up to over $70,000!

Check out these short degree programs that bring in the big numbers:

Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the hourly earnings for dental hygienists are $31.21 per hour. Working full time at that rate, you could earn over $64,000 per year.* To get started, you'll need an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. These programs commonly last between 18 and 24 months. One other plus: 86% of dental hygienists receive hospital and medical benefits, according to the American Dental Association.

Associate Degree in Database Administration

Some have said the technical field is a bit like the Wild West - wide open with plenty of opportunity. While this has changed in the last decade, it is still possible to break into the field with an Associate Degree in Database Administration, one of the specialties most in-demand in the tech field. In this field you'll be helping companies manage and use their data to meet their business goals. Database administrator salaries average around $70,000. With a few years of experience, you could be seeing a sweet six-figure number on your paycheck. People working at the highest levels of this field are paid over $100,000 on average!

Associate Degree in Nursing

You can get your foot in the door in the booming field of Nursing with an Associate Degree too. It'll take you two to three years, but the payoff is worth it. The median annual earnings for registered nurses in 2007 were $62,480. With more training and education you can advance into the upper levels of the field - and earn as much as $80,000 or more. Get more information about nursing degrees here.

Associate Degree in Web Development

Web developers are the people who design and write the code for Web sites. This field blends technology, art, and business and offers many opportunities to recent grads - especially those from Web Development, Web Design, and other tech specialties. According to a recent survey by Robert Half, a specialized staffing firm, web developer salaries range from $47,000 to $71,500. Not bad for two years in school, huh?

Associate Degree in Engineering Technology

Engineering is a huge field that includes everything from nuclear energy to airplanes to computers. A two-year degree in Engineering Technology can prepare you to work in one of these areas - and make good money. If you end up in aerospace, you could earn an average of $53,300 per year. Telecommunications salaries average around $54,000. Of course, these numbers can get higher with experience and advanced training. The best-paid engineering technologists make about $73,000 per year!

The bottom line: If you're contemplating a job change or just getting started on your career, consider your options with shorter-length degrees.

Remember this too: You only have to pay for two years of school. Then let the earning begin!