Who says you have to have a bachelor’s degree in order to strike it rich? While getting an education is definitely a necessity to get ahead, it’s important to realize that there are other types of degrees out there.

While a bachelor’s degree is a great option for the individuals who are willing to spend more time and money being in school, the reality is that many people would rather get started in the work-force as soon as possible. A certification or an associate’s degree is a great way to further your education without being stuck in school for four or more years. Students choose to pursue a two-year degree if they want to get started with their career as soon as possible or have a limited budget.

Check out these top five high-paying jobs that require less than four years of schooling—

1. Air Traffic Controller – in addition to being extremely lucrative, careers in aviation are defiantly exciting! Air traffic controllers are basically the traffic cops of the runways and skies. They are responsible for making sure that the airplanes are flying a safe distance apart. In 2007, these professionals were earning a median wage of $54.29 per hour or $112,900 per year.

2. Dental hygienist – the training for a dental hygienist typically involves an associate’s degree. Their job is to assist the dentist by cleaning teeth and educating patients about how to prevent cavities and tooth decay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists earn a median annual salary of $58,000.

3. Registered nurse – getting an associate’s degree in nursing can really pay off in the long run. Two years of schooling can earn you as much as $60,000 per year! Not only can a nursing career earn you big bucks, but nursing is one of the most in-demand careers. This means that you definitely won’t have trouble finding a job at a hospital or physician’s office.

4. Ultrasonographer – this career is very flexible and allows you to focus on different areas of the medical field. Sonographers frequently work in obstetrics, helping doctors and parents-to-be see their unborn baby. The median annual income for a sonographer is estimated to be $52,000.

5. Radiology technician – radiology technicians work to administer X-rays, MRIs, and CAT scans. They are generally found in a laboratory or hospital, and help physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat disease. The demand for qualified radiology technicians is expected to grow during the next few years, and annual earnings can often exceed $50,000.

When it comes to higher education, you really can’t go wrong. Additional training and coursework can only make you look better to potential employers, so scout out some potential colleges!