My company usually looks for a degree first just as a way to shake out some of the applicants. People with serious experience can still get through to an interview. However, a resume that basically says: "I've been playing around with computers for a long time and I think they are cool!" Will get you nothing. Likewise a list of certs and no experience will get you nothing! In the current market just a degree will likely not get you an interview either. So, while you are getting your degree or certifications or BOTH also do some volunteer/workstudy/internship type work in your field of interest. We have taken interns with no experience.

Good luck!