Many students think that going to a four year college is the only way to go.  But if you are looking to earn your degree right away, you might want to look in to an associate degree program. These programs are often completed within 2 years, and the cost is much more reasonable.

A 2002 study showed that of students who had enrolled in four-year colleges, only 63 percent had received a degree six years (no, not four years) later. That means there’s a significant possibility that your child — yes, your child — will drop out before he graduates. If your child’s high school performance suggests he is college-marginal, the time to stop, look, and listen is now, not later. Because if a student takes on loans and then drops out, he will find himself in a world of trouble: large monthly loan obligations and in all probability a job that doesn’t pay well enough to meet them.

Approximately 60 percent of those undergraduates who do get their degree leave school with debt, and the average amount for the 2006-2007 graduating class was $22,700. Debt will likely be higher for the next graduating class as college costs continue to grow and college savings accounts continue to be rocked by the economy.

The cost of school can haunt you with many years of student loan payments.  If you have a specific career goal in mind, then you may want to consider earning an associates degree in the field of your choice.  With a shorter commitment, you might more easily be able to complete your course of study in a two-year time frame.

Check out Online Degrees Today.com to find out about top online colleges.