Python's nice and simple, the community's large, courses are easily available and free or cheap, the libraries are huge, and the professional applications are great.
It's my (and most unis') number 1 recommendation for beginners

Edit: Should you choose to take this option, just grab Anaconda (Python 3!) from https://www.continuum.io/downloads and find a course

You can start with the code academy course or consult this list (Some of the uni level courses require JC math)
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-online-resource-to-learn-Python