ADVICE

Question

Ok here it goes should I go for an associates degree in school or just learn on my own &  get certified Sun or C# I feel I learn better on my own with cds and video's
I was learning more on my own then in class we were in a programming major and they had us in networking?? 
and also save a ton in loans
or go the associates  way though I want to work for myself freelance
Can I land  a job with just certs thanks