How far will an IT ociates Degree take me?

A few bucks over minimum wage. If you want to do something with it, you'd better be ready to supplement that with a LOT of additional study and be sure to get started with some professional experience as soon as possible. Certifications. Get them, and not just a f**king A+, which only says "HURR ME FIX KOMPUTAH 4 TEH GEEK SKWAD!" Get higher level certs. Look into some Microsoft certs and a CCNA, for starters.