What 2 year (or less) degree has the highest income and outlook potential?

One of my son's friends has had a very rough few years (mother passed away, grandparent he went to live with also passed away) and is currently being shuffled between relatives spread out over three different states. He just turned 18 and unfortunately, dropped out of highschool in his senior year (this year). He is moving to Philadelphia in two weeks to live with an aunt and plans on either getting his GED or finishing high school there. He wants to go to community college or a vocational school - I've already given him info on financial aid and grants - I think it's likely he will qualify, but he's worried about what path to take. He has no idea what he wants to do and is mostly concerned with being able to support himself ASAP. He's such a nice kid - it's heartbreaking. Anyone have any ideas/options I can pass on to him to consider?

I hear court reporters make a lot of money and it only takes 2 - 3 years to get a degree from a community college to qualify.

Actually, I read that you haven't even got to go to school for court reporting. I read an on-line article about the best jobs a person could get without a degree. After I read your question, I went to look for the article. Here is a summery, and a link too! I hope everything works out for your son's friend!

10 Six-Figure Jobs without a Professional Degree:

#1: Marketing Manager + trend spotting = a Six-Figure Income
#2: Health Services Manager + the science of compliance = a Six-Figure Income
#3: Information Systems Manager + high goals = a Six-Figure Income
#4: Financial Manager + ethical choices = a Six-Figure Income
#5: Human Resources Manager + high performance = a Six-Figure Income
#6: Fashion Designer + uniquely individual style = a Six-Figure Salary
#7: Court Reporter + overtime = a Six-Figure Salary
#8: Computer Application Development Manager + leadership = a Six-Figure Salary
#9: Nursing Supervisor + persistence in leadership = a Six-Figure Salary
#10: Education Administrator + quality assurance = a Six-Figure Salary

He needs to think about more than just dollar signs. If he doesn't enjoy what he is doing, he won't be happy with it.