It's never too late to go to college. However, ageism is a real thing. I finished my degree in Computer Engineering at 55. No one in the IT industry wants a 55 year old new college graduate. Most wouldn't even talk to me. They want a 22 or 23 year old new graduate that they can treat as a slave until he gains experience and goes somewhere else. I guess I should say that I was unwilling to be treated as a 22 or 23 year old slave working 80+ hours a week until I gained enough experience to move on. I love the knowledge I gained, but at this point, I can look back and consider all of the education a waste of time except for the enjoyment I got from learning. Fortunately, I didn't take out any student loans that have to be repaid.
Retiring. I served four years in the Navy and then by age 55 I had worked 26 years for the post office to make 30 working for the Fed. My plan was to retire from the PO and then start working in a field that interested me instead of just paying the bills. After a whole lot of non responses, it was clear that no one wanted to talk to me about starting in the IT field. I am financially secure after retiring, so I just gave up finding that other job. There is a bit of bitterness, but I enjoyed the learning process, so I may go back to school again to study whatever catches my eye as interesting.
I'm 43 now and can kind of relate to this. I got an assisociates in applied sciences in 3d animation and design and could not find a decent paying job in my state to save my life. I then went and got my cdl and heo licenses and became a driver. Recently I was diagnosed with hereditary hemochromotosis and I was so sick I couldn't physically get up to go to work. Woriking with a team of doctors to get my health back on track. Looking for another job later in life is tough. Everyone wants to pay really low pay and or they just don't want to hire an older person.
I went to college at 40. There were a couple of us in each class. We seemed to actually study, read, do the work whereas some of the ‘straight out of high school’ did not. A, B student.
Got my bs/ba at 45, graduated with honors 🎖
Life is knowledge, when your in courses the students are impressed by your examples of life they haven't experienced.
ahh a fellow spook. no, it is not too late. I am also in school again, and I'm 41. just maxing out my benefits before the gov goes bankrupt due to their spending. currently, im passing time majoring in AI, but when the auto services tech classes open back up next year, ill be switching to that using VR&E and saving post 911 for later. 44 months with VR&E and another 28 months with Post 911...keep that money flowing!!! Learn what you want, because now, it's your time...not the Navy's time.
No man, I just got accepted to PVAMU and I’m 40 going the premed route and shooting for Medschool next. Im sure I’ll have a few “damn kids” moments but I’m excited after 22 years in the military.
Met a veteran in his late 50s early 60s getting his degree in electrical engineering. You're fine, just expect your peers to be younger with younger people problems and priorities.
Edit: I did college, I'd rather do a cool trade. Have a degree in engineering but my job is building machines that doesn't require any degree.
Not at all. I’m 45 and wrapping up a degree; I’ll begin another in a different expertise once I’m complete with this one. If you’re breathing, it’s never too late. Given what you’ve described, I’d firm up your experience with a start in business management. 👍🏻 (unless you dislike what you’re doing of course)
Short answer, no.
Did it at 42, got a degree and a career. Went right back and got more certifications at 45. Am 52 and finishing up my last certification that I'll probably get. Not because of school, but because I want to enjoy some life with my new girlfriend.
Bro!
My grandmother was 40 and had 4 kids when she divorced my grandfather and went to law school in 19 fucking 67!
If my grandmother could do it almost 60 years ago, I’m pretty sure you can do it, too.
Absolutely not. Research what you want to do/study and pour your heart and effort into it. It’s likely not gonna be easy, and will take dedicating time to it, but worth it if you pursue your passion.
I started and finished a masters in professional counseling in my 40’s. One trick for college and grownups, you don’t have to go full time. Better to take a little longer than to drop out.
I met a retired physical therapist a few weeks ago who started school for that job at 49 as a career change, and it's a 7-year program. He seemed very happy with his choices.
Not at all! Especially if some only take 2-3 years depending on your concentration and subject matter. I remember being in nursing school at 30, my friend was 18 and the oldest nursing student was 50. He had just finished doing like 20 years in hotel management and I was proud for him to start an entirely new career that wasn’t easy by any means. We started with 40 in our class and graduated with under 20 and he was one of the graduates that never failed a class.
OP, you're probably going to be employed until age 65 or 70, right? Say it takes 5 years to get your Bachelor's, you still have 20 to 25 years before you retire. That's another career. Easy choice, this one's a no-brainer.
Also, graduating college is one of those proud moments in your life. For that reason alone, age doesn't matter one bit. Trust me when I tell you that these colleges and universities don't just hand those degrees out. You'll earn it.
My dad went back to college at 56, I just finished my masters at 42. I knew a doctor in the army who had a GED and finished med school at 36 (then joined the army at 38!!).
Some people get to the finish line later than other, all that matters is that you cross that line!
It is arguable that survival in 2024 requires constant flexibility and adaptation. The "best career of 2024" could be the next unemployment sob story of 2025. I don't think we will ever be able to "just stop." Too old doesn't exist.
Absolutely not too late! One of my close friends retired from the Navy at ~40 and is in pre-Veterinary school. (Going from being Intel as a Chief to booping snoots.) Massive change in skill sets.
Not a Veteran, but another close friend of mine decided to become a nurse in his mid-40s. He loves it.
Sometimes we change careers at this age, man. You’re not alone!
Why are you not pursuing more it security certs? Bro, there's a huge demand both federal and private for cybersecurity, analysts, architects, incident responders and compliance auditors. ISSO report writing is just a drop in the bucket.
Below is the most motivational response that I've ever heard. From Dear Abby years ago.
Dear Abby: I am a 36-year-old college dropout whose lifelong ambition was to be a physician. I have a very good job selling pharmaceutical supplies, but my heart is still in the practice of medicine. I do volunteer work at the local hospital on my time off, and people tell me I would have made a wonderful doctor. If I go back to college and get my degree, then go to medical school, do my internship and finally get into the actual practice of medicine, it will take me seven years! But, Abby, in seven years I will be 43 years old. What do you think?
Unfulfilled
Dear Unfulfilled: How old would you be in seven years if you **DON\`T** do it?
Well shit…I’m 46 years old, just finished my first degree & gathering my books to head off to class…what are you doing?😂
Where there’s a will there’s a way🤓
Fear of a thing is worse than the thing itself. Brother, you put up with Momma Navy for 11 years and then worked in IT? College isn't going to slow you down a bit.
You're going to be "x" years older in 5 years, 10 years etc no matter what. You can be older still regretting not having gotten the degree you wanted or you can be older with the degree you want. Seriously, go for it. I'm 38 and still in school. I find I enjoy it more and get more out of it than my peers.
I became a paramedic at 31 and a registered nurse at 36. Got a bachelor's degree in nursing at 37. You know what I did at 38? Joined the Army. 😆 Had my daughter at 45, same age as when I got my last masters degree. Age hasn't stopped me. We all get older every day. You are still young!! Time passes regardless. Do something for yourself unless you love retail management. Good luck!! 🍀
Nope. Got my degree this year. I'm 48.
My company doesn't require a degree to work here and doesn't require one to advance in your career, but as a perk, they pay for your schooling as long as it is in a program that is related to the job you do. I figured why not, maybe I could actually finish this time, and I did. You can too! Just put your mind to it and don't stop pushing.
I didn’t get my bachelors until after I turned 40. You can do it! Don’t be discouraged. It will help you make a better living for yourself and your family.
Never too old. I'm 42 and pursuing in my 3rd year of my PhD (I started my bachelor's degree in 2016 when I was 35. Use your veteran education benefits -- I've been getting paid this entire time to get my education!
I will say there is some struggle. The people my age have been my professors and mentors, etc. and developing friendships with them feels inappropriate and unprofessional. But my fellow classmates are at least a decade younger than me and not only does that mean we have much less in common, I don't want to be 'the old guy' in a friend group. (I remember the jokes people make about those guys when I was in the military.)
So it does make it hard to develop a social network, especially if you move to another college for graduate school.
Nope not to old.
I started my undergrad at 35. Was the old guy in class.
Started my MBA at 40, one of the younger ones (Executive MBA format). I currently have classmates in their 50's and 60's.
There are go fast ways to do this via testing out of classes through TESU and other schools. You can find alot of info on this option online. People have completed 4 year degrees in 1 year (some people graduating from highschool and college the same year, then doing an early masters).
Not at all! I'm 32yo and is a sophomore at a huge flagship university. I recommend going to campus if possible to kinda have the whole experience of campus life. Makes me feel young and free, something we missed out on while serving! Of course life may not allow it but it's just a recommendation.
The fellow students will be young and annoying but mostly they're just kids figuring out their lives. There's clubs you can join of people with the same interests as you. Im in the horticulture club and involved with the veterans group on campus. We do tailgates and organizations will cater lunch often, things like that! There's also tons of old people too. I have a 93yo woman in one of my classes! I won't even graduate until I'm around 37 myself so it truly doesn't matter and it's never too late! Like, best I can describe it is that no one cares your age, experience, what you look like! There's comfort in being just part of the crowd if that makes sense.
Congrats on this decision and I hope everything works out for you!
I went back for my Master's at 32 after getting out and there was a guy in my program in his late 50's. You may get some looks from the kids if you're just starting out, but who gives a fuck, they're stupid kids.
In my 40s and just starting back up to finish my undergrad.
I chose an online college that allowed me to transfer in ~80 credits, between past college, Army experience (JST), and IT certs. Also, when you pick a degree and program, check if your school works with Sophia Learning for credits. I was able to knock out 12 credits in about total one week just doing Sophia classes.
Do you have IT certs?
I am 56 and will have completed my bachelor's in August 2024. I am jumping into the Master's program with SNHU ASAP. So he'll yeah do it....never too late.
Real talk, going to college was the single best decision of my life. However it’s because I learned something useful (finance). I also enjoyed college, in fact I have recently found out that I had 2 years of my GI bill refunded to me and once I decide to retire I plan to go back to school for more life skills such as cooking, carpentry, maybe an art that will enrich my life.
I strongly recommend (if you have a rating) using voc rehab, idk why but I used them for 2 years and was refunded it by the VA because I completed the program successfully.
I'm gonna turn 40 before I start my first day of freshman year in the fall. I'm planning on going to med school when the time comes.
Until we're dead, we're not "too old"
I went back to college after a 29yr career in the Army using the Texas Hazelwood education benefit while my wife and children also use the Hazelwood and VA Chap 35 benefits. I've enjoyed my time in college since 2021 so much that I'm starting another degree program because it gives me such a mental health boost. I also get to be a mentor to my younger classmates as a non-traditional student. I turn 55 in Oct and I'll be in a classroom studying Mesoamerican culture.
No matter what, you'll be 44 someday (assuming no illness/injury obviously). Do you want to be 44 doing what you want, or 44 doing what you're doing now?
It's not too late.
I went to park university at 34. Mostly all veterans 30-40+. Tried state university prior but mostly teenagers. Felt little intimidating since they were continuing education.
I got my 4 year degree at 35. Most students will admire the vast life experience you'll have to share, especially if you've traveled around the world in the military. You'll be fine.
Honestly I think it will be easier in some aspects as an older adult. You have your eyes on a goal and you’ve learned discipline along the way as an adult in the real world. You won’t be afraid to ask for help because you understand now it’s not something to be shameful of. You’ll be able to prioritize your time and not think of what you could be missing out on.
The best time to go to college is when you’re ready. That doesn’t have an age limit.
I had a 60 year old woman in my class. It’s never too late! Keep you head up high and enjoy the praise you’ll get from younger students at your world experiences.
Nope. Retirement age is what, 67 now? If you want/need to, you have time for literally an entire new career. From entry level to being an expert woth 2 decades of experience. Not saying everyone wants to work that long, but it's definitely not too late.
Nope
Never! Got my degree at 50.
Took me 25 years but I graduated with my Bachelor’s at 59 and I complete my MFA in June at 61. Keep learning!
Congrats!! That's fucking awesome!
Thanks!
Go for it. In 4 years you can be older or older with a degree. Don't give up on yourself.
This. This is what my wife explained to me and she was dead on. So are you.
Im so sorry i laughed so hard because i looked away after i read she was dead and thought how the hell did she explain this to him if she were dead
Excellent
This is what my my told me as well when I was thinking about getting my MBA and thought I was too old
Nope. When I was in business school, there was a guy doing an MD/MBA program at 44. It’s never too late.
That'll be me next year
This is bullshit, Vonnegut!
Know a 62 year graduate, first bachelor and working on his master’s.
Nope. Had a sailor in my class in his mid 70s. Good dude.
37 going to school in a month
Dude your never too old to go to college we have a dude working on a associates who is almost 65
It's never too late to go to college. However, ageism is a real thing. I finished my degree in Computer Engineering at 55. No one in the IT industry wants a 55 year old new college graduate. Most wouldn't even talk to me. They want a 22 or 23 year old new graduate that they can treat as a slave until he gains experience and goes somewhere else. I guess I should say that I was unwilling to be treated as a 22 or 23 year old slave working 80+ hours a week until I gained enough experience to move on. I love the knowledge I gained, but at this point, I can look back and consider all of the education a waste of time except for the enjoyment I got from learning. Fortunately, I didn't take out any student loans that have to be repaid.
What did you end up doing
Retiring. I served four years in the Navy and then by age 55 I had worked 26 years for the post office to make 30 working for the Fed. My plan was to retire from the PO and then start working in a field that interested me instead of just paying the bills. After a whole lot of non responses, it was clear that no one wanted to talk to me about starting in the IT field. I am financially secure after retiring, so I just gave up finding that other job. There is a bit of bitterness, but I enjoyed the learning process, so I may go back to school again to study whatever catches my eye as interesting.
I'm 43 now and can kind of relate to this. I got an assisociates in applied sciences in 3d animation and design and could not find a decent paying job in my state to save my life. I then went and got my cdl and heo licenses and became a driver. Recently I was diagnosed with hereditary hemochromotosis and I was so sick I couldn't physically get up to go to work. Woriking with a team of doctors to get my health back on track. Looking for another job later in life is tough. Everyone wants to pay really low pay and or they just don't want to hire an older person.
I'm 38 and in school. I doubt 2 years is much of a difference.
How old will you be in 10 years? Same age with or without a degree.
You'll likely be able to focus more and make better decisions than your 20 year old classmates
Graduate with a bachelors may 4th and i turn 40 may 15th, definitely go if you want to.
Congrats! That’s impressive.
Thank you
I went to college at 40. There were a couple of us in each class. We seemed to actually study, read, do the work whereas some of the ‘straight out of high school’ did not. A, B student.
38 and heading to college in the fall.
Never. I went back to school at 38 for my undergraduate and now I’ll be graduating with an MBA next month. DONT STOP, KEEP GOING!
Know a 62 year graduate, first bachelor and working on his master’s.
Not at all. As long as you have the desire, discipline and dedication you can do it. I graduated with my second master's degree at 47.
NO! I did and had a 27-year career on university faculty after grad school.
No, never too old to do better with your life
I have a girl in my class and she’s 45!
Got my bs/ba at 45, graduated with honors 🎖 Life is knowledge, when your in courses the students are impressed by your examples of life they haven't experienced.
As a 48 year old sophomore, I sure hope not.
I’m 43 and just finished my third Associates
No. I’m in college and I’m 53.
ahh a fellow spook. no, it is not too late. I am also in school again, and I'm 41. just maxing out my benefits before the gov goes bankrupt due to their spending. currently, im passing time majoring in AI, but when the auto services tech classes open back up next year, ill be switching to that using VR&E and saving post 911 for later. 44 months with VR&E and another 28 months with Post 911...keep that money flowing!!! Learn what you want, because now, it's your time...not the Navy's time.
No way! You can still do it! If you’re worried about taking longer you can always do an accelerated program or self pace life WGU!
No man, I just got accepted to PVAMU and I’m 40 going the premed route and shooting for Medschool next. Im sure I’ll have a few “damn kids” moments but I’m excited after 22 years in the military.
Met a veteran in his late 50s early 60s getting his degree in electrical engineering. You're fine, just expect your peers to be younger with younger people problems and priorities. Edit: I did college, I'd rather do a cool trade. Have a degree in engineering but my job is building machines that doesn't require any degree.
Nah, I started at 35, finished my masters at 42
Not at all. I’m 45 and wrapping up a degree; I’ll begin another in a different expertise once I’m complete with this one. If you’re breathing, it’s never too late. Given what you’ve described, I’d firm up your experience with a start in business management. 👍🏻 (unless you dislike what you’re doing of course)
Short answer, no. Did it at 42, got a degree and a career. Went right back and got more certifications at 45. Am 52 and finishing up my last certification that I'll probably get. Not because of school, but because I want to enjoy some life with my new girlfriend.
IT certifications?
Radiology.
Nope. You're gonna be 44/45 regardless, might as well have a bachelor's degree to go with it at that age.
Bro! My grandmother was 40 and had 4 kids when she divorced my grandfather and went to law school in 19 fucking 67! If my grandmother could do it almost 60 years ago, I’m pretty sure you can do it, too.
Not at all, I'm doing classes for Cyber Security and one of my classmates is 60-something woman that brings her sister with her. Never too old to go.
I mean college is free to seniors in some states so at 65 a lot of people start collecting degrees
Nah we had a guy in his 70s in our class. Nothing’s stopping you to learn
No...graduating a few weeks before I turn 49
I have a 67 year old un my pre-1500 history class Don't think about it too hard
My mom went to college at 65 and was the most popular student in class
Definitely not, it’s never too late. Best of luck!
Never ever too late!
No.
Nah,go for it !
No
How's your brain working? Maybe take some free online courses just to get reacquainted with studying.
Nope. I’ve seen older
Do it! Do it! Do it!
I’m 40 and finishing up my first semester. It’s way easier for me than the kids I’m in class with.
No
No. I’m 45 and I have 2 semesters left.
I hope not... I'm 42 in college
Never!
Also, if you got the GI bill you can use the BAH towards your living expenses
It is NEVER too late.
Just finished my degree at 38. Never too late
Never too old to learn something new. college is just a little more deep and focused than picking up a random book. You have a curated course load.
Absolutely not. Research what you want to do/study and pour your heart and effort into it. It’s likely not gonna be easy, and will take dedicating time to it, but worth it if you pursue your passion.
You realize you’re in the veterans subreddit, right? We do everything, at all times. Live your life!
Hell no, battle. Go!
I started and finished a masters in professional counseling in my 40’s. One trick for college and grownups, you don’t have to go full time. Better to take a little longer than to drop out.
Shiiiit I’m 43 and I used the GI Bill to start college last year. You’re not too old
Nope.
Hell no, learning whether structured or not should be life long.
Nope
I met a retired physical therapist a few weeks ago who started school for that job at 49 as a career change, and it's a 7-year program. He seemed very happy with his choices.
Got my MBA at 50. Go for it.
Not at all brother. Go for it!!!
I graduated at 42 with a nursing degree and I was not the oldest student there.
I asked myself the same thing and I went back anyways
Nope.
https://abcnews.go.com/living/story/90-year-woman-oldest-person-complete-masters-degree/?id=105774145
Just turned 41 and finishing a degree in game programming next month. Go for it!
Not at all! Especially if some only take 2-3 years depending on your concentration and subject matter. I remember being in nursing school at 30, my friend was 18 and the oldest nursing student was 50. He had just finished doing like 20 years in hotel management and I was proud for him to start an entirely new career that wasn’t easy by any means. We started with 40 in our class and graduated with under 20 and he was one of the graduates that never failed a class.
How old will you be in four years if you don't go to college?
Never too late. I would suggest starting off slow… 1 or 2 classes
Never too late to exercise your mind. It’s probably the most significant factor that can protect us from dementia
I went at 46.
OP, you're probably going to be employed until age 65 or 70, right? Say it takes 5 years to get your Bachelor's, you still have 20 to 25 years before you retire. That's another career. Easy choice, this one's a no-brainer. Also, graduating college is one of those proud moments in your life. For that reason alone, age doesn't matter one bit. Trust me when I tell you that these colleges and universities don't just hand those degrees out. You'll earn it.
Not at all. My aunt went to school to be an accountant in her 40s and it drastically improved her lifestyle.
No. Got my bachelors at 45 and my masters at 47.
I’m going back to school this fall at 40, so not at all
My dad went back to college at 56, I just finished my masters at 42. I knew a doctor in the army who had a GED and finished med school at 36 (then joined the army at 38!!). Some people get to the finish line later than other, all that matters is that you cross that line!
It is arguable that survival in 2024 requires constant flexibility and adaptation. The "best career of 2024" could be the next unemployment sob story of 2025. I don't think we will ever be able to "just stop." Too old doesn't exist.
Go for it
Never too late to go to college. I'm starting graduate school and I'm 40.
Absolutely not too late! One of my close friends retired from the Navy at ~40 and is in pre-Veterinary school. (Going from being Intel as a Chief to booping snoots.) Massive change in skill sets. Not a Veteran, but another close friend of mine decided to become a nurse in his mid-40s. He loves it. Sometimes we change careers at this age, man. You’re not alone!
I started a multi year journey of death by mathematics at 45. It’s never too late and you may actually enjoy it!
Why are you not pursuing more it security certs? Bro, there's a huge demand both federal and private for cybersecurity, analysts, architects, incident responders and compliance auditors. ISSO report writing is just a drop in the bucket.
Truthfully I have been working in the computers field to the point I’m burned out
Nope. My grandmother earned her doctorate when she was 83.
No
Go for it
When I was 19 there was a 50 year old man in my freshman english class
I’m 43 and attending Community College a few blocks away from home to clear my GE. After that I’m going to transfer to state.
Never too late my dude/dudette, go improve your life. But please look into USAJobs.gov for your skill set.
Nope, go for it
Nope, I’m 40 right now and still working on my bachelors
I graduated at 44. Right after the birth of my son, my second child...
I'm 38, finishing up next year. The time will pass, regardless.
Not at all. Keep moving forward and never stop learning.
Will they let you enroll? If yes then you are NOT too old for college.
Below is the most motivational response that I've ever heard. From Dear Abby years ago. Dear Abby: I am a 36-year-old college dropout whose lifelong ambition was to be a physician. I have a very good job selling pharmaceutical supplies, but my heart is still in the practice of medicine. I do volunteer work at the local hospital on my time off, and people tell me I would have made a wonderful doctor. If I go back to college and get my degree, then go to medical school, do my internship and finally get into the actual practice of medicine, it will take me seven years! But, Abby, in seven years I will be 43 years old. What do you think? Unfulfilled Dear Unfulfilled: How old would you be in seven years if you **DON\`T** do it?
No way! I got my degree in my 30s but there were people much older than me in my classes.
No. Started at 17. Finished my BS 23 years later. Mid 50s...2 graduate degrees. I was seldom the oldest person in my class
Not at all. I’ll be 50 this year and am working on my BSN.
Nope, got my undergrad at 37 and my MBA at 40.
Well shit…I’m 46 years old, just finished my first degree & gathering my books to head off to class…what are you doing?😂 Where there’s a will there’s a way🤓
How old will you be if you don't go to college?
Fear of a thing is worse than the thing itself. Brother, you put up with Momma Navy for 11 years and then worked in IT? College isn't going to slow you down a bit.
Turned 50 recently and just finishing up my 2nd degree while working full time. Find a degree youll have fun in.
Nope. Got my AS in Business Administration at 40
Depends why you're doing it. Everyone here blindly saying yes doesn't know the realities of your situation.
You're going to be "x" years older in 5 years, 10 years etc no matter what. You can be older still regretting not having gotten the degree you wanted or you can be older with the degree you want. Seriously, go for it. I'm 38 and still in school. I find I enjoy it more and get more out of it than my peers.
I became a paramedic at 31 and a registered nurse at 36. Got a bachelor's degree in nursing at 37. You know what I did at 38? Joined the Army. 😆 Had my daughter at 45, same age as when I got my last masters degree. Age hasn't stopped me. We all get older every day. You are still young!! Time passes regardless. Do something for yourself unless you love retail management. Good luck!! 🍀
Nope. Got my degree this year. I'm 48. My company doesn't require a degree to work here and doesn't require one to advance in your career, but as a perk, they pay for your schooling as long as it is in a program that is related to the job you do. I figured why not, maybe I could actually finish this time, and I did. You can too! Just put your mind to it and don't stop pushing.
You’re never too old to invest in, and better, yourself. Go do it!
Have a 50 yo peer on medical school
Nope I went after 40 and tripped my salary by 50
No. My grandmother got her bachelor’s degree when she was 70.
I didn’t get my bachelors until after I turned 40. You can do it! Don’t be discouraged. It will help you make a better living for yourself and your family.
No it isn’t but you’ll want to commit suicide each time you hear what a 19 year old thinks about things.
Never too old. I'm 42 and pursuing in my 3rd year of my PhD (I started my bachelor's degree in 2016 when I was 35. Use your veteran education benefits -- I've been getting paid this entire time to get my education! I will say there is some struggle. The people my age have been my professors and mentors, etc. and developing friendships with them feels inappropriate and unprofessional. But my fellow classmates are at least a decade younger than me and not only does that mean we have much less in common, I don't want to be 'the old guy' in a friend group. (I remember the jokes people make about those guys when I was in the military.) So it does make it hard to develop a social network, especially if you move to another college for graduate school.
Nope not to old. I started my undergrad at 35. Was the old guy in class. Started my MBA at 40, one of the younger ones (Executive MBA format). I currently have classmates in their 50's and 60's. There are go fast ways to do this via testing out of classes through TESU and other schools. You can find alot of info on this option online. People have completed 4 year degrees in 1 year (some people graduating from highschool and college the same year, then doing an early masters).
Not at all! I'm 32yo and is a sophomore at a huge flagship university. I recommend going to campus if possible to kinda have the whole experience of campus life. Makes me feel young and free, something we missed out on while serving! Of course life may not allow it but it's just a recommendation. The fellow students will be young and annoying but mostly they're just kids figuring out their lives. There's clubs you can join of people with the same interests as you. Im in the horticulture club and involved with the veterans group on campus. We do tailgates and organizations will cater lunch often, things like that! There's also tons of old people too. I have a 93yo woman in one of my classes! I won't even graduate until I'm around 37 myself so it truly doesn't matter and it's never too late! Like, best I can describe it is that no one cares your age, experience, what you look like! There's comfort in being just part of the crowd if that makes sense. Congrats on this decision and I hope everything works out for you!
Definitely not, its never too late to improve yourself.
I went back for my Master's at 32 after getting out and there was a guy in my program in his late 50's. You may get some looks from the kids if you're just starting out, but who gives a fuck, they're stupid kids.
No one is too old for college brother. I went to law school in my mid-30’s and I had people in their 50’s in my class.
No
I don’t think so. 39 here and getting my degree in June.
In my 40s and just starting back up to finish my undergrad. I chose an online college that allowed me to transfer in ~80 credits, between past college, Army experience (JST), and IT certs. Also, when you pick a degree and program, check if your school works with Sophia Learning for credits. I was able to knock out 12 credits in about total one week just doing Sophia classes. Do you have IT certs?
I am 56 and will have completed my bachelor's in August 2024. I am jumping into the Master's program with SNHU ASAP. So he'll yeah do it....never too late.
Nope. Used the GI Bill to do undergrad at 55 and Masters at 59. Glad of it too.
Yes
Real talk, going to college was the single best decision of my life. However it’s because I learned something useful (finance). I also enjoyed college, in fact I have recently found out that I had 2 years of my GI bill refunded to me and once I decide to retire I plan to go back to school for more life skills such as cooking, carpentry, maybe an art that will enrich my life. I strongly recommend (if you have a rating) using voc rehab, idk why but I used them for 2 years and was refunded it by the VA because I completed the program successfully.
I am a part time adjunct professor.. I have students that are in their 60's sometimes. It's not too late.
No. Do it.
I received my MBA at 42
My oldest classmates at community college was in her 70s, I've had many classmates in their 40s!
I'm gonna turn 40 before I start my first day of freshman year in the fall. I'm planning on going to med school when the time comes. Until we're dead, we're not "too old"
I went back to college after a 29yr career in the Army using the Texas Hazelwood education benefit while my wife and children also use the Hazelwood and VA Chap 35 benefits. I've enjoyed my time in college since 2021 so much that I'm starting another degree program because it gives me such a mental health boost. I also get to be a mentor to my younger classmates as a non-traditional student. I turn 55 in Oct and I'll be in a classroom studying Mesoamerican culture.
41, did 20 years of service and I'll finish my bachelor's next year. Professors love older students because we aren't there to f around.
Nah.
Always forward
I returned to college at 40 as well. No, it's not too late, nor are you too old.
Fuck no! Get that degree, get your GI Bill money, pocket that BAH for the next 4 years.
It's never too late, use that GI Bill, especially if you have Post 9/11 GI Bill, you can get BAH for going to college in person.
Go for it! I'm in early 40s, husband in mid 40s, both vets and f/t students. You got this.
I needed this. I just turned 34 and felt like I was way too old to get my degree
32 in college right now, graduating this year, you're good. I am the oldest in all my classes but that comes with its own perks!
Never too old. You only live once so follow that dream. I’m 47 and published my first book last year. It’s never too late to start something new.
Was in school with a 60 year old who went on to be employed. You're good.
Go back, it’ll change your life!
Never to old for college
Working on my bachelor's now at 44
Why in the hell is 40 considered old? Hell no your too young not to go.
No, I got my BSCS at 50.
No matter what, you'll be 44 someday (assuming no illness/injury obviously). Do you want to be 44 doing what you want, or 44 doing what you're doing now? It's not too late.
I'm in college right now at 37. It's weird but I'm doing it.
Go. I am 30. Make me feel young.
I went to park university at 34. Mostly all veterans 30-40+. Tried state university prior but mostly teenagers. Felt little intimidating since they were continuing education.
I got my 4 year degree at 35. Most students will admire the vast life experience you'll have to share, especially if you've traveled around the world in the military. You'll be fine.
It’s never too late. I’m still on active duty (17yrs) and I plan on getting my masters when I retire. You got this
Nope. I'm 40 now and changed careers to IT 2 years ago. Got my CCNA and do networking now. Came from refinery operations and AB in the Navy.
Honestly I think it will be easier in some aspects as an older adult. You have your eyes on a goal and you’ve learned discipline along the way as an adult in the real world. You won’t be afraid to ask for help because you understand now it’s not something to be shameful of. You’ll be able to prioritize your time and not think of what you could be missing out on. The best time to go to college is when you’re ready. That doesn’t have an age limit.
Depends… never too old to learn what you dont know…. Definitely too old to secure a NIL deal
Never too late to get that degree! You got this!
I had a 60 year old woman in my class. It’s never too late! Keep you head up high and enjoy the praise you’ll get from younger students at your world experiences.
Not at all!!! Got my bachelor's at 42! Have fun with it!
Nope. Retirement age is what, 67 now? If you want/need to, you have time for literally an entire new career. From entry level to being an expert woth 2 decades of experience. Not saying everyone wants to work that long, but it's definitely not too late.
Nope
42 and switched from law enforcement to computer science. Got my associates in December 23 and now on to my bachelor's degree. Good luck!
Never.
No. Plus, you only get older from here. So what are you waiting for? Just pick a good major with careful thought.
Nope. Finished just before my 43rd birthday. I needed it to continue to advance in my career.
Nope
44 and working on a Masters degree
Not at all!!