Networking Diploma or MCSE Certification?

[KBtrade]

I am 42 years old and want to make a career change into Networking. I have been self-employed the last 6 years daytrading, but I am now burnt out from it. Computers have been my passion the last 8 years. I build my own machines and have wired my home for my network, 6 computers running Windows 2000 Professional. I can't decide what would be the better education path to pursue.

The Chubb Institute has a 5-month full time Network Diploma Program, $14,000 for 480 classroom hours and 24 credits. (Chubb seems very professional and a well run organization to me.)

My local Community College has a Networking Prep course and MCSE certification course that also runs about 5-months, $5,000 for about 370 classroom hours and 0 credits.

Any input would be appreciated as I feel totally confused at this point.

Thanks in advance!

 

[LAUST]

MCSE is a dime a Dozen Cert right now cause Tech schools flooded it, soon CCNA's will even be offered from High Schools. Honestly from what I see being in this field for over 8 years now, try to get some Unix, that market is not at all saturated like MS and Cisco is now.

 

[EXman]

I'm going to my local Community college for free with Pell grants doing CIS networking courses. I agree MCSE is kinda flooded. I know a MCP that don't know jack about computers. he can just test well. go to school and learn it

Oh I didn't have a choice I lost my job and I cannot afford much else.

my 2 cents...

 

[konichiwa]

Does this have to be in two forums?