I'm a 24 year old who has not worked in the IT Industry professionally, and have been considering going back to college. Problem solving intrigues me so I've always leaned more towards Software Development. Lately it seems like it has become very competitive to find a paying career in programming for entry level candidates. Being a Network Engineer on the other hand, seems like it's more diverse, and your not limited to working for an IT company in a large city (I live in a town of 90,000). Which would be easier to gain an entry position ? A close friend is in the process of obtaining a Cisco CCNP, and he advises me to work towards a CCNA.

Which career seems more rewarding vs time it takes to become "qualified" ?

Do what you like. The money will follow.

I agree wholeheartedly. You won't last long doing what you "think" is best, ignoring your hearts desire.

exact

You are young, excel at both!

I voted network.

However, I recommend considering the situation yourself, from a logical standpoint. Consider your own skills and make sure that what you do is something you can stand doing for a long while.

Echoing "codelvr"'s sentiment ... what do you like to do? "Wires, or not?"

Personally, my preferences (and talents) have always been clear: I genuinely enjoy the abstract world of software, and I am good at it. Per contra, a close friend of mine is an unabashed "wire-head," and equally good at that.

You can always find work, if you learn how to sell. (Hint: "monster.com" is useless.) But you need to be doing something that you genuinely enjoy doing.