An associates degree is traditionally a 2-year degree offered by community colleges, some technical institutes, and certain trade schools. Almost all online schools offer associates degrees in a wide variety of subjects

One huge benefit of an associates degree is it allows you a springboard. That is, you can get the associates from the comfort of your own home, receive the salary benefits from it, and then get your bachelors degree later on.

If you just want an associates all by itself, that's fine too. There are plenty of jobs that only require an associates degree. Designers, for example, are judged more by their portfolio than their schooling. Paralegals and dental hygienists can do just fine with an associate degree as well.