Well The most reasonable cost ones and are fairly expected and looked for by HR hiring managers as entry level are from CompTIA
http://www.comptia.org/home.aspx
A+ is entry level fundamentals and cost about 150$ Network+ is about 200$ Security+ is about 250$ You can easily self study read the material, tests are 100 questions in 90 minutes.
A+ isn't going to generate much interest i.e calls for interviews but depending on your level is a good first step anyway.
Network+ and Security+ will get you in the door for interviews almost anywhere for entry level testing, or tech support roles. Not major bank but you really need to get some experience under your belt to go onwards unless you get into development, etc.
If you get one of those or feel comfortable with the material and can volunteer for a SANS course.
www.sans.org
They are very well known to IT managers. I say volunteer because you can volunteer to help setup conference, bring instructor a diet coke, run copies etc. and still get the class and all materials and the exam... for 800$.
Or if you can swing it pay 4k$ and go as a regular attendee. search for workstudy to apply, costs nothing to apply. Pick a class near you or somewhere you are willing to travel to when going through the process.
I would say get CISSP but that requires a certain number of years before you can go take the test, but get that and headhunters love it. feel free to PM me. Austin is a good IT place.
ISO:Employment for Provider
Albeit sales can be very lucrative, if you could pick up a Security+ or Network+ certificate which is quite easy you could go entry level IT for 40-50k easily. If you find an aspect of IT you enjoy, then skies the limit in short fashion.
