Associate degrees typically can be completed within two years for full-time students and combine technical, hands-on skills with general studies courses such as math, science, communications and social sciences.

It pays to get your associate degree. According to the Bureau of Statistics, median earnings for individuals with an associate degree are approximately 19 percent higher than for people who have only a high school diploma.

In addition, every NTC associate degree has at least one, if not many, transfer agreement with four-year colleges and universities that allow you to continue your education beyond NTC. Students who intend to continue their education with a four-year institution can also start at NTC through the University Transfer program.