which area in IT is good for a beginner?

I have been thinking which area,I should go into ,in the IT field: 1- to go study Computer Networking and repair 2- computer programming .Please am confused,I need urgent help,someone who know the current situation in IT and can forsee the future trend in IT should please advise me.Is it wise to spend huge amount of money to obtain university/college degree or just obtain certificates and go into the job market.I have no option for now to study something else.
please feel free to notify me thru my email.thanks