Do you know of any non-traditional college students that go to your college/university?
Is this normal at all?
How common is it for students to be older than the usual 18-22 range?
Do you know of any non-traditional college students that go to your college/university?
Is this normal at all?
How common is it for students to be older than the usual 18-22 range?
Comments
My mum went back to college and uni in her 40s. Not uncommon at all. I knew quite a few 26-32 year olds when I was in college too.
It’s not common but it’s not unheard of. At my college there were a few people like this who were ex-military or just going in a different direction in life
My aunt went in her 40s for a 4 year degree
That’s when I started my freshman year.
my mom is 38 and in college. you’re never too old to go back to school
Not at all. I started my Bachelor’s when I was 25, mye Masters when I was 32, and I had a roommate who I believe started school at 28.
I’m 38 and just finishing my bachelors degree in a few weeks. You can take online courses if you feel more comfortable that way!
Hell no. I would have gotten a lot more out of college if I had gone later in life tbh. 28 isn’t even close to too old, heck neither is 40
There were plenty of people in their late 20s at my college
Not the majority but that’s usually due to them having lives, jobs, commitments. Non traditional students I knew usually did better because they had more purpose and reason to be studying what they were going to school for.
It’s never too late. I started some years later because I didn’t know what I like do. Taking my time allowed me to know me better and make a better choice
Living in dorms, most likely. gaining and earning education, not at all. There’s no age limit on acquiring an education!
No, I’m considering going back in my 30s
No
I was 27 when I went to university to finally get a degree after bumming around for years. I wasn’t the oldest student there by any means
No
You belong in college if you are dedicated to being a good student.
A 30 year old former coal miner was put in the dorm suite I lived in my second year of college. Was a great guy, fit in well, and was studying energy policy or something. Graduated (a year after me) and went on to have a great career. When he retired he was second-in-command of some state energy board.
No age is too old to be in college.
When I was in class I saw anyone from 18 all the way to their mid 50’s.
Academics and Education in general is for EVERYONE.
I can’t speak for how common it is though. My experience was 20 years ago now. I would say it was uncommon as far as younger to older ratio from what I experienced: but who cares? Get your learn on!
I mean there’s no age limit. I would say it’s fairly uncommon, though ymmv depending on the program, region, particular school, etc. When I went through school i never met any mature students and don’t remember seeing any.
You can never be too old to pursue education
28 is definitely not too old to be in college! There are many non-traditional students who return to school later, whether for a career change, personal growth, or just because they’re ready. It’s actually more common than you might think, and a lot of schools have great support systems for students of all ages.
You’re never too old to learn something new and better yourself.
If you want to go to college go to college. Don’t worry about other people.
It’s never too old! But be prepared to be a little out of sync with your classmates.
It’s NEVER too late to learn!
I was 30 and it wasn’t awkward at all. I feel like non-traditional students are more common at big state schools.
Edited to add, I got a lot more out of it n my 30’s than I did during my first failed attempt at 18.
I was 27 when I graduated college. My first attempt didn’t go great, short version; drugs, depression, not knowing how to study (cruised through high school). I took a few years and then tried again.
There’s no such thing as too old to be in college. My father went back to school in his 60s for his 5th degree.
Never too old to try and better yourself or your life.
No
There are no rules. Live your life your way
No!! You’re never too old for college, it takes guts to go later, but if it’s what you want, go for it. Lots of college graduates in Europe are always taking other courses, here is pretty normal
I graduated at 27. Your maturity will help you with your studies and building relationships with your professors. Social life might be impacted, depending on what kind of social life you’re looking for .
It’s definitely not uncommon. I remember the older students at my school as having their shit a lot more together and doing much better in classes than the ones who went straight through.
No. There’s actually a thing on the internet somewhere where a guy in his 90s finally graduated university.
It’s very common and not new. I went to college back in 1997 and in one of my classes I had two women in their 50’s in class with me. This happened all over campus as well. As I matriculated I saw non-traditional students (didn’t go straight to college from high school) all of the time. Even now as a professor, quite a few students in my undergrad classes are over 30 just starting college. There is no such thing as “too old” to be in college btw.
Not uncommon. I got my bachelors degree at 41. I was always treated well by other students and teachers.
I was older, early 30s when I went. Still had a blast and drank with the younger kids.
Honestly if I went right out of highschool I probably would have goofed off too much.
33 in college I sure hope not
You are never too old to go to college
not at all. my bf will be 29 this year and he’s going back to get his bachelors! we said “you can be a thirty something with a degree, or without one”. time passes by either way, it doesn’t wait for anyone.
37 here just started my journey back
Not necessarily common, but if you want to go to college at 28 it absolutely is not too old to do it. Happy to chat through any concerns or anxieties you might have.
I was in college until 29. You are never too old to better yourself and continue a path of education.
Nope. I went in as a freshman at 27. That was back in the mid-90s. Wasn’t weird then, even more common now.
I went back at 50 to get my accounting degree. I loved it, I felt more confident in my classes then I did when I went to college after high school.
My mom earned her bachelor’s degree when she was 59.
It’s normal in community colleges and universities. Lot of people finally getting the chance to pursue higher education after saving up for it. Also, lot of Vets are in college thanks to the GI bill.
It’s also common to see people in their 30’s and beyond pursuing Masters/PhD after working in related fields. Certain masters and PhD programs won’t admit candidates without professional experience, I believe 3 years is the bare minimum.
I went back to college at 27, then again in my 30s. It may feel strange at first to walk in and be with younger people but DO NOT let that stop you from getting an education. I found that after the first week, I felt like anyone else in the class and was treated well by the younger classmates. You are there to better yourself and people will admire you for that.
Im 44 and a sophmore. Was a barber for many years, wanted to do something else, I see plenty of nontraditional people where I go.
No! You are never too old to continue your education! Plus if college was truly for younger folks it wouldn’t cost as much as it does
You’re never too old to do anything.
It’s normal, but know you will not be making friends as easily as your classmates. You’re in a different life stage. Best not to stay in dorms unless you like partying a lot. You will still make friends, but it’s different. I went when I was 27, and had a great time.
24 and my best friend at school is 51
when I went to college I had plenty of older people in my classes, including people way older than 28.
I started in my early 30s. There were people in their 50s and 60s in some of my classes.
My MIL & FIL got their bachelor’s degrees when they were in their 50s, your never to old to continue learning.
I started college at 18, 38, and 49. Got three degrees. Many of my fellow students were similar in age. It’s expected that grad students will often be older.
No
That’s when I went to college! FAFSA doesn’t consider “independent” from your parents income until you’re 24, and then I needed to work to save some more to go to college, and by 28 I finally had enough! I went to a tradition university and I had a great time.
You finish when you finish
No such thing as too old for college, you’ll be older than the average student but you aren’t too old
No one is ever too old to be in college.
Living that stereotypical dorm life where you are living on your own for the first time and just turned 21 and partying every weekend like you have no responsibilities, yeah, that is a life stage thing that people should age out of.
If someone that age wants to experience dorm life, but might feel uncomfortable sharing a dorm, get a single or rent an apt near campus.
I did community college part time while working part time and saving. Then enrolled at a 4 year school to finish my degree at 25.
While at CC there were so many examples of parents and grandparents being inspired to enroll after the 1st child in the family to go to college had enrolled. There was even someone graduating with their grandmother.
You will be fine.
I was in my early 40s when I went back to school full time and getting that degree gave me a major career boost. My wife got her Masters when she was 50. I once attended a community college graduation and the student speaker was an 85 year old man who was graduating in that class – his theme was “It’s never too late for school”. Education should be a lifelong process so anyone who sells the message that you missed your chance to get a degree if you didn’t follow the rigid path of HS->College->Graduate before you’re 30 is misleading people and likely just wants to reduce the competition.
Nope. I saw several people who could have been our parents studying. Most don’t care, some are intrigued, none make fun.
My college had an entire non trad program with dormitory (which was also where I lived). I wasn’t non trad but I was emancipated so I was put with them. I’d say the dorm had oh I dunno, 90 students.
My dad got his bachelor in his late 40s/early 50s, when I was in high school both of my neighbors parents were in nursing school.
Many in the military or former military enroll in college around that age and say they get more out of it than they would have if they went to college at 18. Jocko Willink is one example.
No.
The only age that one is too old for college is after they die, because that’s a health hazard.
College is where you go to learn about things you want to learn. You’re never too old for that.
Got my bachelors at 33
I did the typical college route right after HS. However, there were plenty of older students. My 2nd year, I had a 28 year old roommate (dude looked 40, though).
There were a handful of 50 year olds, too. Just don’t be the old student that tries too hard to be on the same level as the professor.
But seriously, 28 isn’t that bad. Just don’t expect to be invited to all the parties.
HELL NO. Stop tripping and pursue your goals!!!! You can do it.
I had an 80 year old in one of my classes.
I started at the age of 29 and graduated at 34. There were benefits to being an older adult student. Hang in there.
My state currently has a program for free community college for residents 25 and above. So I’d say it’s pretty normal here.
Oh you sweet summer child. 28 years old. Oh honey, I graduated from university at 48 years old with a grand-baby on my hip. Best decision I ever made.
I know a 45 year old who is looking at going to law school. Never too late.
It’s not the norm, but it’s not unheard of, either.
At my university, about 3-4 percent of undergraduates were over the age of 25, which they refer to as “non-traditional students.” I never did quite like that name, as a student could be “non-traditional” in many different ways.
The only thing I would caution you is to be very open-eyed about college and your expectations. A lot of older adults who never went to college get under the impression that it’s easy, because their idea of college appears to be Animal House, or news coverage about student activists protesting this, that, or the other.
This is not going to be your day-to-day, especially if you are working part-time through college, which many students are. A typical week in college for me was 50-55 hours, and that went well above 70 on some occasions. (And this was at a time in my life when I had no children, and my learning brain was at its most malleable.)
My mom started college after 34.
She and my older sister even worked on their masters at the same time at the same college.
Is it normal or common? Probably not. But it does happen and is not strange.
I went back to graduate school at 30 and several of my classes and even fellow graduate students were in their lower 20s. I even had a 19 year old girl in one of my classes hit on me (I do look younger for my age and ofc turned her down explaining my age lol). Just dont make it weird and youll be fine. No one really cares they are all focused on themselves. One of my better friends I made was 21 and we are still in contact today.
Never too old to attempt your dream!
Returned for 3rd degree at 42, graduated at 47; still earning at 76! Just do it.
No. Don’t waste your time or people’s time with this question (I say that as a form of tough love ❤️ for anyone who asks if their too old for anything). Just do it.
No, I was a nontraditional student. It helped me as I had a heavy dose of reality and maturity. The only thing I didn’t care for was young students who didn’t understand that they don’t know much, and many would eat up possible nonsense as if it were scripture. Don’t worry, enjoy yourself at school.
It’s uncommon, sure, but certainly happens!!
There was a 50 year old lady in my college…
“Too old” for college don’t think like that.
It’s a human education facility
I had a photography class with a 68 year old lady 😭 she said she was bored and wanted to learn something new. It’s never too late
The only thing 28 is wayyy too old for is caring about if 28 is too old to be in college /s!
Everyone’s life path is different and empirically the only important measure of “normal” is if it’s getting you to where you need to go. Commonality is a synonym for mediocrity so stop measuring against that metric.
Specifically, a lot of intro classes, business/econ undergrad courses can have a variety of class age cohorts; immigration plays a big role in cohort demographics and a lot of people are enrolled in course work to equalize their degrees from back home!
28 is not to old to be in college, never too old to learn! My Grandpa’s second wife got her master’s degree in her 70s.
Most undergrads will be 18-22, but plenty of people go to college at an older age, after military service or just weren’t ready at 18-22!
I didn’t graduate until I was 31.
No, people are never too old for college. I’ve met people my age (early 20s) and up to middle age at college.
I went back to college at 32.
I went to college when I turned 30. My now 62 year old self looks back and is extremely grateful to my once younger self for making that decision.
Not at all. I remember going to college with someone who was in his 40s. (Well, okay. It was community college. But still.)
I’m 34 and in college. One of my classmates is about to graduate and he’s like 55. No worries mate, you can be however old.
Nope. My mom went to university on her 40s. You’re never too old to do anything.
I second what everyone else says! I’m 35, with twi children, and finally getting reenrolled to finish my degree.
Shared a physics class with someone in his 70’s. Pretty good note taker.
I actually think college age should be older. It’s not really practical sometimes, because a lot of people want/need their degree at 22, but older people get more out of college, IMO. They bring more maturity and life experience to it.
Especially at a public university, not weird at all
I’m 26 in college on the GI Bill. Couldn’t possibly do it any earlier because my job in the military took up too much time. I don’t feel out of place, however I look young.
My mom was just telling me a story about when she went to college, she was 30 and made friends with a woman who was 50. The whole reason for her story was to try and get me to start classes, and I’m 38.
There is no age when learning ends. There is no end to taking a step toward change. It is a new beginning, an opportunity to refresh your perspective, start a new career, refine or enhance your knowledge base. Go for it!
I had a freshman class with a mannin his 60s and honestly he was pretty cool so no not by any means
Not too old. In community college you’ll find many career changers. In universities, you’ll see less in undergrad, possibly more older students in grad programs. I was the older person in school, late 30s as a career changer. Just do it! You’ll be fine!
You’re never too old to go to college. There comes a point, however, when you may be too old to engage in certain college-adjacent activities
Nope. I graduated at 31. Granted, I started when I was 19.
There were older people than me in many of my classes
I went back to school at 30 with only four credit hours passed on my record from my first aborted attempt and chipped away at a business degree while working in my full-time career. By age 38 I had an MBA and a second career as a sessional lecturer (adjunct to you Americans). That was 20 years ago and I still teach there, and my day job had a career shift and that’s working out well, too.
Even though I didn’t start university teaching until I was almost 40, it was a good decade later before I finally taught a section where I was the oldest person in the room.
I went back to school at 25. In my cohort of 20, 9 were over the age of 40, and 2 of those people are currently my coworkers.
Not at all! I started college at 24, and there were plenty of people older than me. I never felt the least bit out of place, and I think professors liked having some more mature students sprinkled into their classes.
I had classmates in their 50’s when I went to school. Nobody will judge you.
No, 28 is not too old for college it’s really not that unusual. Lots of folks return to school later in life for career change, life overhauls, or personal objectives. Non-traditional students (usually 25+) can be seen at nearly every college, particularly community colleges and online schools. It’s the norm, and you’re certainly not alone.
I got my masters at 33.
I was living in a form with undergrads.
Some people were also my age. Some Older.
At community college, very common. 28 is on the lower end of nontraditional. You get your fair share of students right of out high school, but you also get a mix of everyone else. My oldest student was in her 80s.
At a university, it depends on the campus. At a public university of a reasonable size, you’ll probably get more traditionally aged students in the undergrad classes, but there are a reasonable number of older students, and at my advanced age I can’t really tell the difference between 28 and 21. I have a range from freshmen to seniors in my current 200-level course, and judging from some of their personal submissions, about 10% are over 30.
You might be more comfortable living off campus, but by all means check out the dorms if you’d like. Don’t lie about your age because the truth will come out, but you don’t need to volunteer it. You can make friends by offering to share notes or asking to form study groups. I would strongly recommend not trying to date anyone who is fresh out of high school because it’s drama you don’t need while you’re trying to get an education. But your professors should treat you all the same; you all look like babies to us.
my son just went back at age 31
No.
That’s the age my friend continued her studies to this very day in NYC. It delayed due to the pandemic.
I’ve had middle aged parents in my lectures and even older. You’re never too old to do the things you want to do!
i dropped out of university after a year straight out of high school but ive recently gone back at 25. i took an in person class last semester and i was super nervous about that too but it went okay and even made a classmate friend. i dont expect to have the typical college experience anymore as i dont have much in common with the straight of of high school age group but that is okay with me and better for my studies anyways! ive been doing online classes mostly as i work full time so that is always an option!
I mean, I started my Masters at 40, so…
I definitely had seniors in my classes. There is no age restriction to university/college.
I went from 26-29 and also for some reason all the college chicks kept hitting on me. It was kinda weird for sure. I was like yo I’m trying to get my degree. Begone Thot lol
Not really, not everyone lives the same schedule. My friend took a year of college after high school and decided it wasn’t for him. I’m his 30s he went back for an associates. Now in his 40s he’s decided he’d rather be a teacher… He’ll graduate next year.
I took a couple of years between high-school and completing my associates. Dropped college 3 times before I really buckled down in my mid 20s and focused on my education. (I also had a life altering accident that changed my opportunites during this time). At the time my non ged Ed classes were fairly well split between just out of high school and us “older” classmen. But then again I was going for IT, so that may have skewed the demographic… Mind your this was 20 years ago so things may have changed, my observation at the time was. Most of the Healthcare related and more artistic focused classes were a younger demographic. Legal also had a very common older demographic.
Good luck and may it lead you to a brighter future.
No, your never to old for education
No
It’s never too old or too late.
I was in college until I was 29 or 30
I graduated with my bachelors at 28.
WTF, no. I broke my back last year and was told I’d have a at least a year where I wouldn’t be able to do carpentry, but that it was more likely it would/could be longer than that. I started college years ago but didn’t finish, thankfully I had built up a good saving plan and was able to pivot to taking classes again and am on the path to finish a degree by the end of this year. I’m 42.
Edit to add:
As to commonality of it, I think the range of people still attending school into their thirties is probably not has high as it could be, but more than it used to be due to online learning opportunities.
You’re never too old to learn.
I went back to school when I was 30, and I was pert near close to the average age in the program.
It is very normal, and you’ll quickly find the others who are out of the “normal” age range of college right after high school and only want to work with them (based on my experience), cause you all are there for a purpose, want your money’s worth, and want to spend as little time as possible getting your money’s worth cause you’ve got a life to deal with outside of class.
I was 46 when I got my Ba. 47 when I got my Masters.
Nope. I returned to college when I was 46 to earn a second bachelor’s degree and on to a masters. There was also a woman in her 60s in my graduating class.
You might be slightly older than most attending college, but I don’t think anyone really cares. Don’t worry about it. Attend your classes, get your degree and enjoy life.
Currently, I’m considering going back for another degree in computer science as it relates to my career.
I graduated at 30, then finished my master’s at 35.
I’m in college now and I’m 30. I don’t think it’s uncommon. I guess it depends on where you are.
Got my degree straight after hs, came back at 28 to continue studying. It’s very common. There are also seniors in college that take classes for free, at least at come city colleges in NYC. And I saw the senior citizens when I was 18. It’s good, means you get to socialize with people from all walks of life and it just makes you more well rounded as a person. 🙂
There’s always at least one adult/parent in all my classes. My favorite group members lol
There was a woman starting nursing school in our class -she was 62. Not sure you’re ever too old to learn, if that’s what you want to do. Many people have 2nd careers
I was 28 when I started my first degree. 35 when I did my MSc.
Ran my own trade business before that. Knew I wanted a career change so I did it. Sure, I’m no longer “the boss” but slowly getting there again in my current role and also, I don’t have to break my body carrying large chunks of wood around anymore or asking others to do so either. Never too old to change. Hell my trade career was a career change at 21. I was a web designer and PC builder before that.
Nope!
I’ve had multiple relatives enter college/university past 25. One of which was about 27 when he entered. The other was in her 40s!
I wouldn’t call it the norm, but it shouldn’t be an issue.
No. When i was in college as a 18 year old I had classmates who were 30,40, i honestly didnt think about their age lol
There is no age too old for more education. It’s very common.
When I was 19/20 in a sophomore psych stats and research methods class, we had a handful of students in their late 20s/early 30s each with multiple kids/families of their own. We were really close with all of them. They had the same goals we did of working in human behavior fields, mainly therapy for most of us. The only thing that made them different was they had families and their lives together more than the 60 other college kids in the class. Like they had houses and spouses and kids and we had dorm rooms and/or college housing. We never thought of them as “too old”. They were our classmates.
No
I wish I could go back at 27 full-time Jaja.
No, but its not as common.
A lot of people go to or especially BACK to college far later than that
Nah. I had some 45 year old mom in my college class and she was the top student. She said she didn’t have time to be failing.
Fuck no
My great grandfather decided to study Latin at uni in his 70s. So you still got some margin at least
When I was in college in my mid 40s, there was a few in their 50-60 range.
If you are doing something to improve yourself and enjoy it I say nope! There are lots of people that go back to college well into later years. I think it’s awesome and admire them. It’s a different experience 🙂
I also re-enrolled with 28. I’m currently 30 and don’t regret my decision one bit.
Nope. I went back at 50 and it changed my life. Mostly my income. And, now I’ll have a pension when I retire.
Doubled my annual income and made me a smarter, better person.
I went to college for nursing at 38. A fellow student was 52.
Not too old at all! You WILL notice that the younger students seem, well, younger but it’s completely do-able. I taught at a local community college and I loved my older students. They knew how to buckle down and do the work, not just complain about it!
you’re never too old
We had a guy in college with us in his 60s. Super nice old guy, he just wanted to attend history classes and discuss things with young people. He just wouldn’t take any tests, and wasn’t trying to get a degree or anything.
28 isn’t too old. 88 might be pushing it though, but it would depend on the 88 year old.
There are always a handful of older students in each class/program. I picked away at my degree while working full time in my career and always had company of at least 4 other mature students in my larger classes.
You are never too old to do anything! Especially when it comes to education.
Finished undergrad two weeks before turning 30. Did a year and a half of being paid dirt, then tripled my pre-college income.
Not at all.
There are people of all ages in college. Some take a different path. Some have kids early, or do it at night. Some change careers or are looking for a promotion. Some universities are even trying to give equivalent credit for work to encourage people to go back to school!
I graduated with a lady that was 50. There was a lady a few years ahead of me that graduated at 70. Now, that said, if you’re trying to act like a recent high school grad, yeah that’s insane, but there’s no time limit on learning in this life
Me! I graduated at 32. Going back to school in the fall to get my teaching cert.
ETA: and I did all the college things. Lived on campus, joined a service frat, wrote for the school paper, got involved in student government, I even won Homecoming Queen my junior year.
No age is “too old” to expand your education!
Hope not, I picked up my last degree at 45
Totally normal. Less common in small liberal arts colleges. More common in big universities. Super common in community colleges.
I started college at 30 and am doing just fine. Each person learns at their own pace and has a different experience. I actually dropped out at 20 because I hadn’t felt pulled in any direction. It’s never too late to start, just make sure it’s a path you can see yourself completing.
my lab partner is 44
It is never too late to go to college, but don’t put yourself into outrageous amounts of debt for it.
I knew a lot of kids that weren’t ready for college. They went because their parents told them too. What those kids needed was a couple of years of working a job and learning to be a responsible adult. They dropped out. It was a waste of money.
Don’t be surprised if you end up being the older sibling and responsible adult in a lot of situations.
Lots of people did and still do military service or some sort of job first to pay for college. You are not alone.
Remember there are people your age getting Bachelors, Masters and PhDs. You will find your way. Don’t let stupid and outdated social constructs get in the way of your goals.
❤️
I’m 27 and in college!
I made a great friend in college who was in his 40s. I was 19, we shared tons of classes and studied together and got along great. I still see him frequently since we both attended the same graduate school after graduation.
Just be prepared that sometimes the younger students can be rude to anyone “outside the norm.” They like to exile or judge older folks (though, my friend was much older than you, so maybe he just experienced it more than a 28 year old would). But you WILL make friends. Many college students are a-holes, but definitely not all of them.
I’m super proud of my friend for completing his degree and continuing onto even higher education. If you want the education, go for it! Just keep your head up and ignore the haters.
I had a 63 year old in a bio 1010 class. Don’t worry about that stuff, just do what you think you need to do for yourself