Am I too Old For College?

Adult Students Look At College Re-entry

Feb 6, 2007 Pam Sissons

Adults returning to college, technical or trade schools after many years may not know what to expect. The good news is, it's good news!

Are you considering returning to college, trade or technical school after having been out for some time? Are you thinking about continuing education, professional development, or simply personal enrichment, but you are hesitating? If so, the question has probably crossed your mind. "Am I too old for college?" The answer is a clear and ringing "No!"

There are several reasons why you may be fearful of returning to a college or learning environment. For baby boomers particularly, and for women age fifty and beyond, after having been away from school for many years, some of the questions adult learners have include:

• Will I feel out of place?
• Will I have anything in common with the other students?
• Will I be unable to keep up academically?
• How will I balance my job and family life?

As legitimate as these fears may be, don’t let them get the best of you. Between 1970 and 1993, the number of students aged 40 and older increased by 235%! Check here for more links to helpful resources and statistics having to do with non-traditional students.

Today’s academic environment is geared toward satisfying the needs of all students. At many universities, classrooms without a significant percentage of older students are now firmly in the minority. If you are considering a traditional campus setting, you can be fairly sure that when you get there and take a look around, you will see many other re-entry or professional development students just like yourself. If you’re taking an online course, there is typically an introduction session at the beginning where you will get a sense of the age and background of your classmates.

Like many older students, you may have a job, home, and family commitments to consider. There is no doubt that the personal demands on you may increase, but re-entry to college as an adult has never been easier. There is extensive assistance available from student loans and childcare, to flexible scheduling and online courses and universities. You may even be able to find weekend classes to fit your schedule.

Earning a college education in today’s world is more important than ever, and the benefits are well worth the effort. Your ability to earn a higher income and opportunities for career advancement may depend upon it. Having a degree may enhance flexibility and longevity in the career area of your choice.

In today’s college and universities, adult learners are a welcome and valued addition to the student body. Particularly in the undergraduate and vocational areas, students often have career and life experiences that benefit everyone. Earning a degree is a shared experience. Remember that you bring to the table a desire to learn and valuable life experiences that could never be replaced by academics alone.

Look here for answers to other questions you may have about re-entry into the academic arena. As always, contact me if you have any ideas or comments!

The copyright of the article Am I too Old For College? in Continuing Education is owned by Pam Sissons. Permission to republish Am I too Old For College? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.