Age can certainly play a role in the college experience. Older students often have different motivations, responsibilities, and perspectives than traditional college-aged students. However, with the right mindset and planning, students of any age can thrive during their college years. Here we’ll explore the key considerations around being an older college student and provide tips for getting the most out of the experience.
How common are older students in college?
While the typical college student is 18-22 years old, older students are increasingly common on college campuses. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2019 there were approximately 8.1 million college students aged 25 and older, making up roughly 37% of the total undergraduate population. Many older adults are returning to school to finish a degree, change careers, or gain new skills.
Some key stats on older college students:
- About 40% of college students are 25 or older
- Roughly 25% of college students are 30 or older
- Around 15% of students are 35 or older
- 6% of undergraduates are 40 or older
So while traditional college-aged students still make up the majority, older students are a significant presence and play an important role in the diversity of campus life.
Why do some people start college later in life?
There are many reasons an adult may pursue college later in life, including:
Career changes
Some older adults want to go back to school to train for a new career. College allows them to gain skills and credentials to make a career change or advancement.
Unfinished business
Others have unfinished business from earlier in life. They may have dropped out of college when they were younger and want to complete their degree.
Newly available time
For adults who raised children or worked full-time earlier in life, newfound time after these responsibilities can motivate them to finally pursue college.
Love of learning
Some older adults simply love learning and want to enrich themselves by taking college courses and studying subjects they’re passionate about.
Social & community connections
School can help some older adults stay engaged in a social community of their peers while also keeping mentally active.
Benefits of going to college later in life
While returning to school later in life presents some challenges, there are also many potential benefits:
Career advancement
Earning a degree or new skills can help older adults move forward in an existing career, switch careers, or re-enter the workforce.
Higher lifetime earnings
Getting a college degree, even later in life, can significantly raise overall lifetime earnings. Education tends to correlate strongly with higher pay.
New perspectives
Life experience provides older students a different lens through which to view education. Older students often bring rich perspectives to the classroom.
Sense of accomplishment
Earning a degree brings immense satisfaction and pride, especially for those who struggled earlier in life to finish school.
Setting an example
Older graduates can inspire their own children, grandchildren, or other young people in their lives.
Social connections
College creates social bonds through campus life and peer interactions. This can combat social isolation later in life.
Challenges faced by older college students
While rewarding, returning to college later in adulthood also comes with some distinct challenges:
Balancing school, work, and family
Most older students juggle school with jobs, spouses, and sometimes children. Finding time for study can be difficult.
Feeling out of place
Being surrounded by 18-22 year olds in the classroom can make some older students feel isolated or disconnected from peers.
Technology gap
Some older students struggle with the tech-savvy demands of contemporary college life, like online course management systems.
Rusty study skills
Academic skills like test taking, note taking, and time management may be rusty for those who haven’t studied in years. Refreshing these skills is critical.
Physical demands
Sitting in long lectures or carrying heavy books can take a toll on older students who may have less energy, stamina, and physical resilience.
Cost of attendance
The tuition bill may be difficult to manage, especially for those no longer working full-time. Scholarships and financial aid help.
Keys to success as an older college student
To meet these challenges, there are some key strategies that can help older adults thrive as college students:
Embrace the student experience
Get involved on campus, attend school events, and make friends with other students. Avoid the temptation to isolate.
Ask for help when needed
Don’t be shy about visiting professor office hours or tutoring services. Schools offer resources to help you.
Develop tech skills
Take a computing fundamentals course if needed. Learn the campus tech systems right away.
Use good time management
Careful scheduling, to-do lists, avoiding procrastination, and calendar reminders go a long way.
Learn active reading & listening skills
Adopt strategies like highlighting texts, taking detailed notes, and reviewing frequently.
Collaborate with younger classmates
Find study buddies or project partners who can fill in tech gaps and inspire your learning.
Set a schedule that works for you
A lighter course load or online classes may better fit obligations outside of school.
Anticipate extra studying time
Understand courses may take longer to grasp if it’s been awhile since you’ve studied complex subjects.
How should older students interact with younger classmates?
Here are some tips for older college students to build positive relationships with their younger classmates:
Be open-minded
Approach interactions with an open mind. Young classmates have much to offer in perspectives, technology skills, and enthusiasm.
Find common ground
There are always shared interests to bond over like hobbies, sports, academic passions, pop culture, etc. Seek common ground.
Share your experiences
Offer insights from your life experience when relevant to class discussions. This adds richness to learning.
Don’t criticize or judge
Age brings wisdom, but avoid condescension or judgment of youth culture. Respect differences.
Focus on learning
You have an opportunity to learn from younger classmates. Maintain a growth mindset when collaborating.
Get involved socially
Attend campus activities to interact with younger peers in low-stakes settings. Find social connections.
Embrace mentoring opportunities
Younger students may unofficially look up to non-traditional students. Kindly impart wisdom when asked.
What are some tips for older students interacting with professors?
Here are some tips for older college students interacting successfully with professors:
Respect authority
While you may be a peer age-wise, professors deserve deference as subject matter experts and maintainers of classroom standards.
Ask questions
Don’t be shy about asking professors clarifying questions after class or during office hours. Most are happy to help.
Check assumptions
Professors acknowledge your life experience, but don’t assume it supersedes instructions or academics standards.
Watch your tone
Some older students address professors too casually. Maintain politeness in speech and writing.
Embrace the digital
Don’t avoid communicating digitally. Email regularly and use online course tools to show engagement.
Discuss special needs
If you need special accommodations due to age, health, or disabilities, candidly discuss this with instructors.
Be open to new technology
Some faculty use new teaching tech like social media and apps. Be willing to learn new platforms.
What types of courses should older students consider taking?
Certain types of courses tend to be well-suited for older college students:
Introductory technology courses
Basic computing, software tutorials, and tech fundamentals help older students overcome digital deficits.
Writing or communication focused courses
Older students often excel at written and oral communication. English, speech, and writing-intensive courses play to this strength.
History or social science electives
Courses in these fields complement the perspective and context older students have gained over the years.
Time management or study skills classes
Refresher courses on core academic competencies can tune-up older students’ skills.
Group project-based courses
Collaborating with younger peers on projects melds strengths. Opt for some courses with group work components.
Online or hybrid courses
The flexibility of online learning may fit older students’ schedules best. Blended courses mix online and in-person.
What types of majors are best suited for older college students?
When selecting a major, older college students should consider their career goals, aptitudes, interests, and schedule limitations. Some top major options include:
Business
A versatile business degree suits older students seeking managerial career advancement or starting a new small business.
Education
Older students drawn to teach can become qualified educators through undergraduate education majors and credentialing.
Social Work
For nurturing older students, studying social work facilitates roles helping vulnerable or underserved groups.
Healthcare fields
Healthcare administration, public health, nursing and other medical programs offer stable careers.
Liberal arts or interdisciplinary studies
A customized liberal studies degree allows older students to study arts, humanities and sciences of interest.
Psychology
Understanding human thinking and behavior through psychology appeals to some non-traditional learners.
Computer science or IT
Though technical, older students skilled with computers can thrive in technology majors.
What are some ideal schools for older college students?
When evaluating college options, older learners should look for the following:
Generous transfer credit policy
Maximize transfer credits from past college courses or career learning programs.
Flexible degree plans
Schools that allow customized majors or interdisciplinary studies promote educational diversity.
Online program options
For convenience, search for schools offering extensive online classes or online degrees.
Evening and weekend classes
Accommodating class schedules outside of traditional business hours.
Academic and career advising
Guidance on majors and careers helps older students make informed educational choices.
Childcare support
On-campus childcare enables student-parents to attend classes and study.
Commuter-friendly
Older students need accommodations like commuter lounges and parking if not living in dorms.
Are there financial aid options specifically for older students?
Yes, some key financial aid opportunities for older college students include:
Scholarships for non-traditional students
Many scholarships target older students specifically. Check school and private scholarship resources.
Employer tuition assistance
Some employers offer tuition benefits or reimbursement to help employees of any age earn a degree.
Tax credits
The American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit help offset tuition costs.
Grants for specialized populations
Grants for veterans, teachers, women, minorities, etc. may apply to older student groups.
Work-study employment
Federal and campus work-study programs offer flexible part-time jobs.
Cost saving strategies
Opt for community college, commute from home, buy used textbooks, limit loan amounts.
What other college resources are useful for older students?
Beyond financial help, colleges offer many valuable resources older students can utilize:
New student orientation
Adult student orientations cover the practical basics and foster connections.
Academic advising & counseling
Advisors help navigate school systems and provide guidance on goals.
Peer mentoring programs
Older student mentors offer tips, friendship and encouragement to newcomers.
Student groups
Joining student organizations builds community and offers leadership opportunities.
Tutoring & writing centers
Gain skills through tutoring services and paper editing assistance.
Disability services
Reasonable accommodations provided for documented conditions.
Veteran & military resources
Support programs assist veterans adapting to student life.
Conclusion
While going to college later in life poses some challenges, older adults can absolutely thrive in higher education. With realistic planning,利用ingcampus resources, and embracing the experience, older students can reap immense rewards from earning a degree. The perspectives they contribute to campus diversity, and share with younger classmates, provide value to the entire academic community. College allows older learners to expand their knowledge, advance careers, satisfy intellectual curiosity, and fulfill lifelong dreams.
