All students want to choose a major and a career path that will lead to a stable, profitable future.  Unfortunately, the economy is much more complicated than it used to be, so it can be difficult to choose a path that will guarantee you a stable future.

For help in this area, one good resource to check out is Yahoo! Hotjobs. In addition to specific job listings, this site offers tips and insight into job searching in today’s market.

According to Yahoo! Hotjobs, here are eight jobs college students should consider.  These are areas that show job growth and promise to do so in the future as well.

1. Network Systems Analyst
2. Financial Analyst or Advisor
3. Veterinary Technologist or Technician (which only requires a two-year degree)
4. Counselors (Marriage and Family Counselors, Mental Health Counselors, Substance Abuse Counselors)
5. Physical Therapist Assistant (which only requires a two-year degree)
6. Forensic Science Technician
7. Teachers (yes, things are looking good for both elementary and secondary school teachers)
8. Accountants

Associate degrees can be much more valuable than many people realize!  According to Yahoo! Education, here are the five college degrees that offer the best financial return–that is, the highest financial rewards for the least amount of money.  Note that #4 and #5 on the list are associate degrees.

1. Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
2. Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering
3. Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing
4. Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies
5. Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology

You’re probably not surprised by the MBA, but did you know that associate degrees in paralegal studies and IT can really pay off–especially considering how little you’ll pay to earn these degrees?  Experienced professionals with these two year degrees average over $60,000 a year, and can potentially earn quite a bit more.  This is great news for students with these interests who aren’t crazy about the thought of going to school for years, and who want to get into the workplace now.  Two year degrees can really pay off.

So why isn’t the two year degree in nursing on the list?  If you’re interested in nursing, keep in mind that the four year nursing degree–which is #3 on this list–has really become the standard in the nursing field.  Two year degrees haven’t lost all their value, though– especially because you can get an associates degree in nursing, work for awhile, and then go back to finish a four year degree.

Of course, some associate degrees are more valuable than others, so if you’re interested in or attending a community college, talk to an advisor about the financial prospects of majors that interest you.  But don’t think that a four year degree is absolutely necessary to make yourself valuable in the marketplace.