What can one do with an associates degree in computer systems engineering technologies(C.S.E.T )?

I'm currently in a technical community college working on my associates degree and even though everyone is saying "Computers are gonna be where the money is at, everything is digital or computerized, your making a good career decision" I wonder how difficult it will be to really notice a change in my life style. I currently work one of those no where beginner jobs making sandwiches for $8.00 an hour and I'm hearing the computer field can give you salaries anywhere between $25,000-$65,000 with an Associates degree and $70,000-$100,000 with a bachelors degree or higher. I know I need to start interning and getting certain certificates to really make something of myself but I just don't want these last three semesters to pass and all I have is a paper and no money to get my own car or have a slight lifestyle change. I live with my parents still but I'd like to have some serious money changes. At least something above $15.00 an hour.

Look for internships or jobs at tech companies.  Look up career fairs for engineers.  You should be able to find them at the closest university to you, just go to the engineering department website of the university and see if you can find out when the next career fair is.

Make sure you have good grades (above a 3.0 necessary, above 3.5 preferred) and before getting your associates degree start applying to universities in the area that have a bachelor's computer engineering or computer science degree program.  If your GPA is high enough in community college, they aren't going to care what your high school GPA was (that's how I got into the university where I am).  Apply for entrance during the spring semester (the semester that starts January) because if you apply for entrance in fall semester then you will be competing with all the valedictorians of all the high schools around.  Not only can you get a better degree from the university, you also have the resources of the university and the professors to help you find jobs and internships.