I was talking to a guy just starting out college, and he was telling me that he wanted to just get his associate's degree in Computer Information Systems, and then just get an entry-level job that he can build from. He said after that he would go back for his Bachelors of Science.
I told him what I tell everyone. Get at least the 4 year degree if money and time allow it. Student loan payments are not a huge burden once you graduate and are making more money than you ever have in your life. Get the loan if you have to and finish school. The BS or BA leverages you over everyone else who is walking around with a diploma from a 2 year program. Also, once you get in the routine of working full-time and enjoying a decent salary it's tough to get back into the academic mode. I've only been working for 4 months, and I'm pretty content about not going back for a few years at least.
So, stay in college for 4 years, enjoy the social scene, learn more, leverage yourself above other job candidates, and give yourself the sense of completion so that you can be content leaving college after all of the commencement parties.
