Well, it all depends on what you want to do...
Honestly, from what I've seen, if you want to start in IT, experience is what you need more than degrees, or certificates. Of course, the problem is it's a catch-22, you need experience to gain experience.
No matter if you choose certificates or degree, you need to make sure you go somewhere that offers on-the-job experience, through an internship, work/study, or whatever.
Later on, certificates probably help more for consulting, while degrees are required for the cushy "IT management" positions.