The community college tuition and fees are less expensive and the training consumes less time than traditional degrees because you don't have to take basic courses like math, English and history to get a technology or skills degree! As a bonus you can take many course for an affordable two year degree on your own time in your home.
Also, it's worth noting you shouldn't underestimate the power of an associates degree for an adult returning to college. After all many employer just want to see that you can finish your program and be self-motivated to improve yourself, not just because of "the paper.