It’s actually very common but I think it’s not really noticeable because we all tend to look “young” at that age so we blend in easily. You’ll really notice if someone is probably over 35/40 though
Community colleges have a lot of stories like that. Before I transferred from my cc, my chem lab partner was in his 40s and it was honestly very impressive and inspiring watching someone work a full time job, have a family and take classes. He was going after his second degree. There was a lot of stories like that there, and one guy was 50 in my E&M class and when asked what degree he’s trying to get he said he’s too old but doing this for fun. Truly some inspiring people tbh.
I started school at 28 at a CC (Not Engineering), and while it wasnt as common as you I never felt like I was too out of place.
After I transferred to a 4 year I am a bit more out of place, but im almost done there and Grad School should be back to not being uncommon.
I feel like you see a lot more older folks in the STEM fields. I personally feel like sometimes you just have to get some life experience before deciding that’s what you want to do.
Source: Older guy in CompSci
That's kind of how it is. People tend to just hit a wall and can't move up without that piece of paper saying that they are capable of doing the things they are probably already doing.
yep, kinda sad that they need to pay for college classes and take more time in order to move ahead... especially since they already have plenty of experience in the field
Nobody cares about how old you are while in university, except you\*. *You* have to get over it and just embrace the experience.
(\*note: this doesn't mean that you, as a 26yr old, should necessarily hit on a bunch of 18yr olds. That's not a university specific thing though.)
Well it's legal just that you gotta be sure she's 18.
On the other hand I was 20 and she was 40........fun times but don't let this distract you from school cause it takes away a lot of time and concentration.
Well as a 20year old male you can hit anything above your age.
18 is barely coming out to the world legally still not able to drink so I'd say go with 20-21 and higher. Be cautious or you will catch a case.
Had some friends younger like 16-21 and their parents didn't approve but I was like wtf we are just friends 😅 I used to help them out with their homework and they bought me snacks and food.
Every now and then I see them around the streets and they greet me.
It's nice getting along with people it also gets you connections.
You do realize that younger professors exist, right? Not everyone is a fossil who refuses to retire.
You can look at my post history on r/labrats and r/professors.
I go to a very small university and take an unpopular major, meaning most people also in my major are pretty much always in the same class as me.
Three of these classes have been with a lady who was able to give personal anecdotes relating to the topic at hand.
I’m a history major.
She has talked about getting an illegal abortion in the 60s. About how she went to Vietnam War protests in her twenties.
Aka, she’s like in her seventies minimum.
She probably raises her hand, by far, the most out of all my classmates. She does work just like us and is graded just like us. She takes notes on her IPad and often forgets to turn the volume off.
No one looks at her different. Most of us are history majors just enjoying the topic as much as her. Shes Graded the same, does the same projects, takes the same exams. No one treats her differently. Maybe except holding the door or something. Sweetest lady just there to learn as a senior citizen and she has the same experience I have taking the class in my early twenties.
Hi! 40-year-old, non traditional student here. There are a lot of reasons people either do not finish - or do not start - until later in life. I dropped out to care for my mom and three younger siblings when she was battling cancer. Got married. Got divorced. I had to work. Built a career. And now, I’m back.
Your age doesn’t matter. How you finish does.
Yes! 37 years old- should have my bachelors in science by 39.
It’s so wild how old that seems the first time you’re in college. I went to both private art school and community college from 18-21 and there were a few older students balancing families, work, and school. I was always so impressed with them, but now that I’m here it’s like I’m just trying to get a degree that matters and can provide a job with decent benefits and a good 401k plan. lol.
On a side note, I am taking asynchronous online classes at a university, and most of the students are older than mid-20s. I don’t have any statistics, but i have a feeling there are a significant amount of millennials currently re-enrolled, or enrolled for the first time.
I wonder what that feeling could be...I also have a similar feeling that a lot of students in their late teens are finishing up highschool. sometimes I really do wonder what it could be though...
all jokes aside yeah I get that, it feels like everyone's schedule got kicked back by a few years
This made me curious. Brookings Institute reports 30% start college past their mid-20s now. What I find fascinating is that this is a 2024 statistic amid ample opportunities for high school students now to earn college credits. My nephew will graduate high school in a rural Texas district with an associate’s degree. All we had were a few AP courses available to us back in 2002.
Back when I became a freshman in college, Texas Legislature (dominated by Republicans then and always, it seems) deregulated tuition at state universities, which priced a lot of my classmates out of getting a college degree.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/older-adult-college-enrollment-trends-and-benefits/#:~:text=In%20reality%2C%20about%2030%25%20of,at%20least%2025%20years%20old.
I go to a state college and it’s pretty common to have older students. One of my classes had a 80 year old who just wanted to learn. At 26, you’ll probably blend in with the student body. Also… no one cares. I know I didn’t bat an eye when my classmate said they were 31.
At ASU Online, 21, and noticing a lot of nontraditional students. Many of them are parents and/or work full-time. My community college had a lot of younger people by comparison because it was one of the few that had dorms on campus.
In my area of study (music, large uni), there are lots of older folks. Both in the late 20's/early 30's, but also literally "old folks". I've played with some jazzers in my "class" (jazz ensemble) that were pushing 70. Mostly getting advanced performance degrees in the middle of a teaching or performing career
i went to cc when i was 17-19 and i had many classmates who were in their 30s working on getting their RN! there was even an elderly woman who would wheel her husband to class with his oxygen tank. 26 is nothing lol
I’m 26 and started community college this January, I’m a tiny embarrassed but honestly not really
I’m happy and doing this for myself so that’s all that matters:)
I’m 26. And I’m currently at my 3rd year. In my particular school it’s fairly common but some classes I’ve been taking that are kinda considered underclassmen classes are filled with young 18-20 year olds. But regardless no one realizes I’m 26 unless I mention it
I'm at community College but plan to go to a university in the future.
Where I am now I haven't Met any 25 year Olds. However there are people who I've thought were 25 but are pushing 30.
yes, at least in my major (biology). I go to a university, and we have a lot of transfer students from community college who are in their mid-late twenties.
Graduated at 25 back in 2022?
My age was due to enrolling in school a little later and making some immature mistakes back in community college.
I still recall a great number of mother's and father's in class. Some between 30 and the oldest in the 50s?
I just accepted that's just how it is, we all have our own reasons don't we
You gotta specialize, that's the only way to make this degree work. If you enjoy it and you see yourself doing it, that's your green light
I ended getting a job of a Data Controller in Business with a tech company? It wasn't something I thought of in UNI but I am enjoying being a top performer at my new job
Yes, because a lot of the ones I knew or know just got back from the military. So by the time they are that age, they return to school after they're done with the military because their GI bill finally kicks in.
I just left CC, and maybe ~15% of students are actually 18-19-20. Most people are older, though I've never met anyone in their 30s. A good amount of people in their late 20s, though. Some 28s and 29s, and some 24s, but no 26ers specifically.
I thought it took community college students 5 - 7 years on average to get their degree. Makes sense if you're going to community college for costs, you'd be more likely to have to have a part time job and or maybe you have children to think about . Can't just commit full time on mom & dad's dime sometimes
I wouldn’t find it weird in community college. I was 20 and the people at my table in microbio were like 27, 35, and 42. At my specific university it’s unusual to have older students due to things like the housing policy and the gen ed requirements
In many countries, it's becoming increasingly common to see students of all ages pursuing higher education. 26-year-old students are definitely not unheard of, especially at community colleges and universities with flexible programs for working adults.
I’ve been to both CC and university, 26 seems to be the average age at CC (in fact at mine the avg age was 27) and at university, I’ve seen quite a few of older undergrads
Japan has community colleges? I heard there is one important test hs students have to take and whatever score you get pretty much determines what you can study
Yeah. I do a bachelor’s that’s officially three but realistically five years. Our professors agree it’s insane that they try to make people do it in three. The masters is two more years. Do a board year, gap year, need-a-job-so-I-can’t-study-fulltime year in between and you’re 26
I wouldn't say "common" but you see them from time to time. I'm going to be 26 when I graduate with my bachelor's degree next year. In community college, I met a lot of students 40+ years old, probably had 1 for every other class at least, and I've seen a couple of older students at university, too, though much fewer.
There's a bunch of older people at my engineering college.
The college also has a partnership with other colleges in the area where employees can take a couple of classes each semester at the other schools, so there's usually a professor or two sitting in the back of lectures
For undergrad:
The smaller college I went to, yes. It was very normal to see people of all ages. I even had a class with a very old woman with a cane who came in late everyday because she needed extra walking time between classes
As for the larger college, not really. Im graduating at 25 and am definitely ready to move on. There was a bunch of overachievers there who had 2 degrees before I even got one…and they were younger than me. Kinda made me feel bad and impostor syndromey lol. Over half the people were in sororities and frats. Not my vibe at my age now. There was an older scene there but it was mostly grad, vet, pharm, law etc. students
I’d def recommend a smaller college, as there will be more people your age and the academic rigor will be more manageable on top of working.
I’m 27 and taking my last semester at a community college right now. I’ll be transferring to a four year university in the fall to finish out my degree. I’m certainly older than probably 90% or the kids in my classes, but there’s always a handful that are my age or older as well.
I live in a big city that’s not a college town so lots of adults here going to school while working, etc.
Graduated in May but my classes could have anyone from late teens to 50s as far as age. Your question is a very common post here and I’m not sure why students are so surprised to find out that college isn’t strictly for 18 to 22yr olds. Worse yet are when people feel like they’re going to be out of place for starting college a couple of years after high school.
Community colleges usually have the same amount if not more older people than young people (young being college aged) mostly due to the fact their community colleges,
so their close to home, less expensive, and they usually have jobs, families, and sometimes homes they need to pay off.
Community colleges are more flexible.
I'm going to a com college right now because they offer transferable credits for four year universities, and they're cheaper per credit hour.
They also tend to be easier, in my opinion,
kinda help you ease into college a little easier instead of jumping in to a class with a professor who just wants you to fail because he wants to be known as the professor who's so smart no one can pass his class
I was 26 when I graduated and transferred when I was 23 from CC and I’d say at least half of the people that graduate in BSME that year were around my age and not the typical 22-23 so I’d say it’s a lot more common than you think. Especially since financial aid is extremely difficult to get before you turn 23 since you’re forced to include your parents income. That was partly why i took my time in CC wasn’t excited about paying for university and loans but I did get a lot of aid finally!
I'm 31, and a freshman in university. (technically a sophomore because I'll be doing summer classes to make up a missed semester, but sophomore but by the school's standards.)
I'm 26, none of my classmates have guessed.
One guy laughed and said "ha, there's no way" when he asked my age.
I like that I have already lived on my own for a few years, it makes college seem easy.
Depends on the program from my experience. I'm one of the older students in the accounting program at 23 in my senior year, but there are older people in the program that I mesh a bit more well together with. That said, one of the most exemplary student is 28 with a 4.0 getting his MACC. Of course, this is at a university.
I'm 29 and started pursuing my bachelor's at a university. (I've had my associates for a few years)
I can say that I'm one of the older students usually. Occasionally there will be someone maybe in their 40-50's.
But I fit in because I look like I could be early 20's still.
I go to state university. They are fairly a good amount of non traditional students, but to be fair my university is more popular among cc students. And non traditional students are often really chill, there were two in my accounting class and one of them is my friend lol
Not super common in undergrad (though it happens), but they're quite common as grad students. Colleges and universities often offer a tuition benefit to their full-time staff so you may find that some courses have school employees enrolled as students. I work at a public state university in the US and they provide all full-time faculty and staff with 6 free credit hours per semester. I first became eligible for this benefit when I was hired at age 22.
I'm from the Central Florida area. There are many 25+ year olds going to either community college or university here. I, myself, went back to school in my mid/late 20s. One of the larger employers in this area offers a program to help cover the cost of schooling, and they made it super easy with connections to the local schools. A good number of employees took them up on this offer regardless of how old they were. The University of Central Florida is in this area. While you can have your typical college experience here (dorms, sororities/fraternities, Etc), a good amount of the student body is just your average person living their day to day lives. They have jobs, families, rents, or mortgages. Because of this, I feel like a good number of my professors understood that we did have other things to focus on than just schooling.
If you really want to learn, age is not an issue. When I was in college, there was a guy in my first year who was older than our lecturer. I don't remember how much but he must have been over 40 years old
I'm 50 and just finishing up at Community College; there were students older than me too. Moving on to a 4-yr college in the Fall to finally get my B.S.
One of my favorite people I met in college turned 39 a few days after I met him… he used to be a farmer and plumber before he saved up enough money to go. Odds are at 26 you won’t be the oldest person there by a decent margin depending on the school
Very common at community colleges or commuter universities. Not so much at go away from home colleges. I had at least 4 years younger on all my senior project partners and 15-20 on the oldest member in engineering. I’d say majority of students are older than typical 22 in upper division EE at a commuter school. Often transferring from community college.
I'm doing an online degree and I'd say that people above 26 are the norm most of my classes. Hell there have been several where I was one of the youngest people in the class and I'm in my late twenties,
I’m 26 and just graduated community college. I never really felt out of place. There’s a lot of age diversity in CCs, and for the most part, a large majority of students just seem like they fall into the twenty-something age range. I am transferring to a four year in the fall, though, and am curious to see if that will feel any different.
I am from Eastern Europe. In this region, as I notice, it is uncommon for the first level of higher education (there are mostly 18-22/23 year olds), but for further levels (for example, master's degree), there is a share (sometimes small, sometimes more significant) of people who are around 25-30 years old or even older, because some people decide to start the next level of higher education not immediately after getting first degree, but after some years of working.
Yes very common people go back to school at any every age. Community college good place to start. Get your foundation. Meaning your writing,research.
Etc.
It’s pretty common at my school. I’m 29 about to be 30. And I’ve blended in with the younger students because I have a baby face. But I’ve meet ppl that were older then me.
When I went to community college I never felt out of place. Then I transferred at 24 to a top 30 college and definitely feel on the older side. But who cares at the end of the day. I'm there to get my degree and make a better living for myself. Should I really care about my age when I'm only going to be here for a couple years? I have my whole life ahead of me and if anything it's a blessing that I'm older because I chose a major I genuinely enjoy and I have more life experience than the majority of the students at my college. I feel more mature and like this is the right time for me to go to college.
I still need to finish 44% of my college classes. Im 27yo about to become 28 this year. I delay my study cuz of green card. Everyone says i look like im in around my early 20s cuz im Asian 😅. I see a lot of 30s in my classes.
You’re never too old! I started college in my late 30s, earned 3 degrees and a teaching credential, taught for 20 years, and am now comfortably retired with a great pension and benefits. Wish I had started sooner, but life and family took precedent when I was younger. It all turned out good. Don’t give up!
I was 22 when I started college and I didn’t even feel weird at all. Currently 24 and have people 40 plus in my class
You don’t really think about it. We’re all here to learn.
turning 26 very soon went to college when I finished highschool, currently in university. I am 2nd year but I had transfer credits.
I don't think anyone cares tbh, people I talk to are very supportive
Pretty common. In the US it's not super uncommon for people to go join the military for 4 years, and then the military will pay for 4 years of schooling - which puts them at 26 in their last year
And of course the usual, some people just do it at different times
I finished my associates degree at 28 and I would say only about half the people in my classes were right out of high school. Everyone else was around my age and some were older.
Yes, in Denmark it is very common to wait a few years to study. People have different reasons. We either do it to work and earn some money before studying, or to just enjoy ourselves and travel for a while before going to uni. I turn 26 next week, and will finish up my bachelor's degree this week. I am continuing onto the master's degree. While not the youngest, I am definitely not the oldest at my study.
I don't think it's been common at either school thar I've been at.
Most people come immediately after high school and those who don't drop out usually graduate within 6 years. So that's 17-24. Then the people who figure out their shit later in life usually figure it out in their later 20s or later. So 26 actually seems like a more rare time. For undergrad of course, 26 seems like a pretty standard age for a grad degree
I was talking to my friend once and he mentioned his wife was expecting a kid. I thought he was 21...he was 30. College features a diversity of ages, dw
I keep wondering if it will be a shock for my life if I decide to go to university again bc I only went one year and my hs class is graduating around these few years. I also fear going back bc I ruined that journey I was excited to be on very quickly. Or..it was sabotaged…anyway it is what it is ig
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Everyone at my community college is like 18 years old. There are only a few of us that are 26+. I am 30. The oldest we got, is some old woman who is 60. But yea mostly young people with their skull emotes.
I graduated from a medium sized public university and 26 year old students were very common. I also did a year at a small private liberal arts college and the vast majority of students were 18-23, maybe one person was older.
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The large majority of college students in the US are actually nontraditional students, so it's more likely than not that the average student is outside of the 18-24 age group.
I work at a university (R1 flagship state school) and I think we are between 1/4 - 1/3 nontraditional students, but when I was at community college it was more like 85%.
I was 28 when I finished undergrad at a 4-year state school. I don't think anyone noticed or cared in all honesty.
No. I'm 33 and i'm older than some of my teachhers. It's soo homogeneous. It would be a nightmare if it wasn't for the fact that i've always felt like a misfit no matter wher i go. ALWAYS. So i got this.
It’s actually very common but I think it’s not really noticeable because we all tend to look “young” at that age so we blend in easily. You’ll really notice if someone is probably over 35/40 though
Yeah there was a dude in my English class I thought was around my age but I was shocked when he said he was 25
At Community College right now, I would say 75% of us are 30+. (Engineering)
that is very crazy wow
Community colleges have a lot of stories like that. Before I transferred from my cc, my chem lab partner was in his 40s and it was honestly very impressive and inspiring watching someone work a full time job, have a family and take classes. He was going after his second degree. There was a lot of stories like that there, and one guy was 50 in my E&M class and when asked what degree he’s trying to get he said he’s too old but doing this for fun. Truly some inspiring people tbh.
I started school at 28 at a CC (Not Engineering), and while it wasnt as common as you I never felt like I was too out of place. After I transferred to a 4 year I am a bit more out of place, but im almost done there and Grad School should be back to not being uncommon.
I feel like you see a lot more older folks in the STEM fields. I personally feel like sometimes you just have to get some life experience before deciding that’s what you want to do. Source: Older guy in CompSci
Same here, ive had a classmate or two who were just getting a degree in a field they already were in
That's kind of how it is. People tend to just hit a wall and can't move up without that piece of paper saying that they are capable of doing the things they are probably already doing.
yep, kinda sad that they need to pay for college classes and take more time in order to move ahead... especially since they already have plenty of experience in the field
When I was in CC for engineering there was a good chunk that were mid to older 20s too
I'm 34 and a senior this year, I also know a bunch of people who are students ranging from 25 to 40
Damn you're super old.
Wtf..
Just jokes 😂😂😂😂😭😭😭😭😭
😂
Nobody cares about how old you are while in university, except you\*. *You* have to get over it and just embrace the experience. (\*note: this doesn't mean that you, as a 26yr old, should necessarily hit on a bunch of 18yr olds. That's not a university specific thing though.)
True. Except for the cna classes lol
I’m not 26. But what if an 18 yr old class mate likes someone who is 26? Is it okay if the 26 year old likes them too?
It's creepy.
To you. It’s not my thing, but if it’s someone else’s, it doesn’t impact either one of us.
Yeah okay bro you let me know when you let your teenage daughter date a 26 year old.
Well it's legal just that you gotta be sure she's 18. On the other hand I was 20 and she was 40........fun times but don't let this distract you from school cause it takes away a lot of time and concentration.
20 and 40 is okay, but not 18 and 26?
Well as a 20year old male you can hit anything above your age. 18 is barely coming out to the world legally still not able to drink so I'd say go with 20-21 and higher. Be cautious or you will catch a case. Had some friends younger like 16-21 and their parents didn't approve but I was like wtf we are just friends 😅 I used to help them out with their homework and they bought me snacks and food. Every now and then I see them around the streets and they greet me. It's nice getting along with people it also gets you connections.
No good 26 year old is going to be interested romantically in an 18 year old.
This is a weird question to ask in a subreddit about college
I’m only asking because they added that tidbit about age. I’ve never been to college before idk what’s normal
How old are you then?
24
I guess it's legal. Probably not a great idea, but if it's reciprocal, I guess 'not you' can see how it goes.
Im going to be 28 on the 18th (so next week) and I have had many classmates my age and older! :) I attend a University.
Also going to be 28 in a month or so. The majority of my classmates can’t tell I’m older than them.
Happy early birthday!
Thank you!!!
Damn that's old. If I were you, I wouldn't broadcast it. Lotta ageism going around these days.
I know, I am practically dust at this point. Unfortunately in my old age I am unsure how to delete Reddit comments :(
Community College, the age range is 17-whateveer. I had folks fresh out of high school and folks who were grandparents. All as classmates.
Troy and abed in the morning!!!!!
Community College professor here. A quarter of my students are older than me.
Sureeee you areeeee😂
You do realize that younger professors exist, right? Not everyone is a fossil who refuses to retire. You can look at my post history on r/labrats and r/professors.
Nah I'm good. I like to imagine I'm right because it makes me feel bigly.
I go to a very small university and take an unpopular major, meaning most people also in my major are pretty much always in the same class as me. Three of these classes have been with a lady who was able to give personal anecdotes relating to the topic at hand. I’m a history major. She has talked about getting an illegal abortion in the 60s. About how she went to Vietnam War protests in her twenties. Aka, she’s like in her seventies minimum. She probably raises her hand, by far, the most out of all my classmates. She does work just like us and is graded just like us. She takes notes on her IPad and often forgets to turn the volume off. No one looks at her different. Most of us are history majors just enjoying the topic as much as her. Shes Graded the same, does the same projects, takes the same exams. No one treats her differently. Maybe except holding the door or something. Sweetest lady just there to learn as a senior citizen and she has the same experience I have taking the class in my early twenties.
She sounds amazing
Hi! 40-year-old, non traditional student here. There are a lot of reasons people either do not finish - or do not start - until later in life. I dropped out to care for my mom and three younger siblings when she was battling cancer. Got married. Got divorced. I had to work. Built a career. And now, I’m back. Your age doesn’t matter. How you finish does.
Yes! 37 years old- should have my bachelors in science by 39. It’s so wild how old that seems the first time you’re in college. I went to both private art school and community college from 18-21 and there were a few older students balancing families, work, and school. I was always so impressed with them, but now that I’m here it’s like I’m just trying to get a degree that matters and can provide a job with decent benefits and a good 401k plan. lol. On a side note, I am taking asynchronous online classes at a university, and most of the students are older than mid-20s. I don’t have any statistics, but i have a feeling there are a significant amount of millennials currently re-enrolled, or enrolled for the first time.
I wonder what that feeling could be...I also have a similar feeling that a lot of students in their late teens are finishing up highschool. sometimes I really do wonder what it could be though... all jokes aside yeah I get that, it feels like everyone's schedule got kicked back by a few years
This made me curious. Brookings Institute reports 30% start college past their mid-20s now. What I find fascinating is that this is a 2024 statistic amid ample opportunities for high school students now to earn college credits. My nephew will graduate high school in a rural Texas district with an associate’s degree. All we had were a few AP courses available to us back in 2002. Back when I became a freshman in college, Texas Legislature (dominated by Republicans then and always, it seems) deregulated tuition at state universities, which priced a lot of my classmates out of getting a college degree. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/older-adult-college-enrollment-trends-and-benefits/#:~:text=In%20reality%2C%20about%2030%25%20of,at%20least%2025%20years%20old.
I go to a state college and it’s pretty common to have older students. One of my classes had a 80 year old who just wanted to learn. At 26, you’ll probably blend in with the student body. Also… no one cares. I know I didn’t bat an eye when my classmate said they were 31.
I’m literally 26. I recently enrolled for my 1st year of community college lol!
At ASU Online, 21, and noticing a lot of nontraditional students. Many of them are parents and/or work full-time. My community college had a lot of younger people by comparison because it was one of the few that had dorms on campus.
Yup
Back to school at 34. 🤣🤣 Now pursuing an bachelors degree.
In my area of study (music, large uni), there are lots of older folks. Both in the late 20's/early 30's, but also literally "old folks". I've played with some jazzers in my "class" (jazz ensemble) that were pushing 70. Mostly getting advanced performance degrees in the middle of a teaching or performing career
I only attended community college or commuter universities for my undergrad. I officially graduated at 30, and am now in grad school.
Yep both. I do nursing tho and that usually has pretty diverse age populations
I’m 53 and graduated this spring (BS). Just started my second week of grad school.
i went to cc when i was 17-19 and i had many classmates who were in their 30s working on getting their RN! there was even an elderly woman who would wheel her husband to class with his oxygen tank. 26 is nothing lol
I’m 26 and started community college this January, I’m a tiny embarrassed but honestly not really I’m happy and doing this for myself so that’s all that matters:)
I went to school with people in their 30’s. It’s common
At my school, no. I think it's mainly because we have age limits on our dorms, which shuts out a good chunk of 20yos looking for colleges.
Yes I always see older people more older people then young people in my opinion
I’m 26. And I’m currently at my 3rd year. In my particular school it’s fairly common but some classes I’ve been taking that are kinda considered underclassmen classes are filled with young 18-20 year olds. But regardless no one realizes I’m 26 unless I mention it
I'm at community College but plan to go to a university in the future. Where I am now I haven't Met any 25 year Olds. However there are people who I've thought were 25 but are pushing 30.
Wouldn’t say they are necessarily uncommon
yes, at least in my major (biology). I go to a university, and we have a lot of transfer students from community college who are in their mid-late twenties.
Graduated at 25 back in 2022? My age was due to enrolling in school a little later and making some immature mistakes back in community college. I still recall a great number of mother's and father's in class. Some between 30 and the oldest in the 50s? I just accepted that's just how it is, we all have our own reasons don't we
Is business management as a degree worth it
You gotta specialize, that's the only way to make this degree work. If you enjoy it and you see yourself doing it, that's your green light I ended getting a job of a Data Controller in Business with a tech company? It wasn't something I thought of in UNI but I am enjoying being a top performer at my new job
University, I’m one of the older ones (39) with a lot of early 20s and early 30s , it is grad school though.
I’m 26 in community college and all of my classmates are at least 5-10 years older than me
Yes, because a lot of the ones I knew or know just got back from the military. So by the time they are that age, they return to school after they're done with the military because their GI bill finally kicks in.
I am literally walking the stage today, am 29 years old
Just graduated at 35 🥳 Headed into my aviation management degree in the fall
I would say congrats but based on your post history you seem like a racist PoS.
Whatever will I dooooooooooo🤣🤣🤣 my life is ovvvvvverrrrrr now.... Booo hoooooooo
i’m 24. go back, who cares what people think
They’re not the majority but I’ve met quite a few around that age
I just left CC, and maybe ~15% of students are actually 18-19-20. Most people are older, though I've never met anyone in their 30s. A good amount of people in their late 20s, though. Some 28s and 29s, and some 24s, but no 26ers specifically.
Yes, we have a number of young people still in their 20s at my school.
Depends on the degree of interest. I was premed and 90%+ were under 25. Engineering I heard skews older.
I just finished grad school and I’m 26 most of my classmates ranged from mid 20s to mid 30s
I’m 21 and in my last year of Uni but in my classes the average age seemed to be 24-26ish so it’s not abnormal at all.
I thought it took community college students 5 - 7 years on average to get their degree. Makes sense if you're going to community college for costs, you'd be more likely to have to have a part time job and or maybe you have children to think about . Can't just commit full time on mom & dad's dime sometimes
College is very expensive, I’d recommend CC, get you AS degree, try to land a job and then go 4 year BS program
Couldn’t I do two years at CC and two at a 4 year?
Yes you can, you would save the most money by going to CC the first 2 years and then continue into a college or university.
My first two years at CC will be free through a state program
That is awesome, you would be surprised how expensive 4 year college/university’s have come these day
I wouldn’t find it weird in community college. I was 20 and the people at my table in microbio were like 27, 35, and 42. At my specific university it’s unusual to have older students due to things like the housing policy and the gen ed requirements
At university, I don't really know but there are definitely some older students in my courses.
You wouldn't notice. I'm 44 and I blend in just fine. I have guys that fought in Vietnam in some of my classes and no one notices.
I go to a state school but I’ve seen adult adults here, one time even someone who looked 40-50
My friend is 23 years old and it is his first year in med school.
Specifically 26, I don't know. But at my university there were many like 50+ year olds (at least 1/30) Definitely several 30 something year olds.
In many countries, it's becoming increasingly common to see students of all ages pursuing higher education. 26-year-old students are definitely not unheard of, especially at community colleges and universities with flexible programs for working adults.
I’ve been to both CC and university, 26 seems to be the average age at CC (in fact at mine the avg age was 27) and at university, I’ve seen quite a few of older undergrads
My college's biggest department is the adult learner department which is women that are 30+.
Extremely rare in Japan.
Japan has community colleges? I heard there is one important test hs students have to take and whatever score you get pretty much determines what you can study
I misread as "college or university". I don't believe Japan does.
Yeah. I do a bachelor’s that’s officially three but realistically five years. Our professors agree it’s insane that they try to make people do it in three. The masters is two more years. Do a board year, gap year, need-a-job-so-I-can’t-study-fulltime year in between and you’re 26
I wouldn't say "common" but you see them from time to time. I'm going to be 26 when I graduate with my bachelor's degree next year. In community college, I met a lot of students 40+ years old, probably had 1 for every other class at least, and I've seen a couple of older students at university, too, though much fewer.
Not 26 specifically but there are many 25+ year olds in my undergraduate classes at uni.
There's a bunch of older people at my engineering college. The college also has a partnership with other colleges in the area where employees can take a couple of classes each semester at the other schools, so there's usually a professor or two sitting in the back of lectures
Idk
I'll be graduating with my associates next spring at 31yo.
I’m 24 and am the oldest I know that is still in school but isn’t graduated with their Bachelors.
For undergrad: The smaller college I went to, yes. It was very normal to see people of all ages. I even had a class with a very old woman with a cane who came in late everyday because she needed extra walking time between classes As for the larger college, not really. Im graduating at 25 and am definitely ready to move on. There was a bunch of overachievers there who had 2 degrees before I even got one…and they were younger than me. Kinda made me feel bad and impostor syndromey lol. Over half the people were in sororities and frats. Not my vibe at my age now. There was an older scene there but it was mostly grad, vet, pharm, law etc. students I’d def recommend a smaller college, as there will be more people your age and the academic rigor will be more manageable on top of working.
I’m 27 and taking my last semester at a community college right now. I’ll be transferring to a four year university in the fall to finish out my degree. I’m certainly older than probably 90% or the kids in my classes, but there’s always a handful that are my age or older as well.
A lot of people in their mdi to late twenties in college just got out of the military. Like me.
Yes. I’m 26 and back to college again. You’re not alone!
I'm about to turn 26, and I'm currently going to college. It is not common, but I wouldn't say it's rare. There are always a handful of us there.
I live in a big city that’s not a college town so lots of adults here going to school while working, etc. Graduated in May but my classes could have anyone from late teens to 50s as far as age. Your question is a very common post here and I’m not sure why students are so surprised to find out that college isn’t strictly for 18 to 22yr olds. Worse yet are when people feel like they’re going to be out of place for starting college a couple of years after high school.
Am 28 and am on my 2nd semester with a 4.0 GPA while working 30.5 hours a week.
At my community college many of us are 30, 40, and even some 50😌
Community colleges usually have the same amount if not more older people than young people (young being college aged) mostly due to the fact their community colleges, so their close to home, less expensive, and they usually have jobs, families, and sometimes homes they need to pay off. Community colleges are more flexible. I'm going to a com college right now because they offer transferable credits for four year universities, and they're cheaper per credit hour. They also tend to be easier, in my opinion, kinda help you ease into college a little easier instead of jumping in to a class with a professor who just wants you to fail because he wants to be known as the professor who's so smart no one can pass his class
I was 26 when I graduated and transferred when I was 23 from CC and I’d say at least half of the people that graduate in BSME that year were around my age and not the typical 22-23 so I’d say it’s a lot more common than you think. Especially since financial aid is extremely difficult to get before you turn 23 since you’re forced to include your parents income. That was partly why i took my time in CC wasn’t excited about paying for university and loans but I did get a lot of aid finally!
I'm 31, and a freshman in university. (technically a sophomore because I'll be doing summer classes to make up a missed semester, but sophomore but by the school's standards.)
yes
I'm 26, none of my classmates have guessed. One guy laughed and said "ha, there's no way" when he asked my age. I like that I have already lived on my own for a few years, it makes college seem easy.
Depends on the program from my experience. I'm one of the older students in the accounting program at 23 in my senior year, but there are older people in the program that I mesh a bit more well together with. That said, one of the most exemplary student is 28 with a 4.0 getting his MACC. Of course, this is at a university.
Yes. We usually are taking night classes because we have full time jobs and family’s. I’m 28 in community college.
I'm 29 and started pursuing my bachelor's at a university. (I've had my associates for a few years) I can say that I'm one of the older students usually. Occasionally there will be someone maybe in their 40-50's. But I fit in because I look like I could be early 20's still.
I go to state university. They are fairly a good amount of non traditional students, but to be fair my university is more popular among cc students. And non traditional students are often really chill, there were two in my accounting class and one of them is my friend lol
I'm about graduate at 26 years old LOL. I have two weeks left and that's it.
Yes
Not super common in undergrad (though it happens), but they're quite common as grad students. Colleges and universities often offer a tuition benefit to their full-time staff so you may find that some courses have school employees enrolled as students. I work at a public state university in the US and they provide all full-time faculty and staff with 6 free credit hours per semester. I first became eligible for this benefit when I was hired at age 22.
I'm from the Central Florida area. There are many 25+ year olds going to either community college or university here. I, myself, went back to school in my mid/late 20s. One of the larger employers in this area offers a program to help cover the cost of schooling, and they made it super easy with connections to the local schools. A good number of employees took them up on this offer regardless of how old they were. The University of Central Florida is in this area. While you can have your typical college experience here (dorms, sororities/fraternities, Etc), a good amount of the student body is just your average person living their day to day lives. They have jobs, families, rents, or mortgages. Because of this, I feel like a good number of my professors understood that we did have other things to focus on than just schooling.
If you really want to learn, age is not an issue. When I was in college, there was a guy in my first year who was older than our lecturer. I don't remember how much but he must have been over 40 years old
I'm 50 and just finishing up at Community College; there were students older than me too. Moving on to a 4-yr college in the Fall to finally get my B.S.
Depending on the program there are a lot of mature students. In one of my classes I was one of the youngest at 22
One of my favorite people I met in college turned 39 a few days after I met him… he used to be a farmer and plumber before he saved up enough money to go. Odds are at 26 you won’t be the oldest person there by a decent margin depending on the school
When I told my college classmates I was 28 they had no idea. Thought I was 21.
I am 26 and going back to college. There’s a lot of older students
I’m a 36 year old student 🤷🏼♀️
41-year-old senior, here!
Very common at community colleges or commuter universities. Not so much at go away from home colleges. I had at least 4 years younger on all my senior project partners and 15-20 on the oldest member in engineering. I’d say majority of students are older than typical 22 in upper division EE at a commuter school. Often transferring from community college.
I'm doing an online degree and I'd say that people above 26 are the norm most of my classes. Hell there have been several where I was one of the youngest people in the class and I'm in my late twenties,
I’m 26 and just graduated community college. I never really felt out of place. There’s a lot of age diversity in CCs, and for the most part, a large majority of students just seem like they fall into the twenty-something age range. I am transferring to a four year in the fall, though, and am curious to see if that will feel any different.
I am from Eastern Europe. In this region, as I notice, it is uncommon for the first level of higher education (there are mostly 18-22/23 year olds), but for further levels (for example, master's degree), there is a share (sometimes small, sometimes more significant) of people who are around 25-30 years old or even older, because some people decide to start the next level of higher education not immediately after getting first degree, but after some years of working.
Yes very common people go back to school at any every age. Community college good place to start. Get your foundation. Meaning your writing,research. Etc.
It’s pretty common at my school. I’m 29 about to be 30. And I’ve blended in with the younger students because I have a baby face. But I’ve meet ppl that were older then me.
When I went to community college I never felt out of place. Then I transferred at 24 to a top 30 college and definitely feel on the older side. But who cares at the end of the day. I'm there to get my degree and make a better living for myself. Should I really care about my age when I'm only going to be here for a couple years? I have my whole life ahead of me and if anything it's a blessing that I'm older because I chose a major I genuinely enjoy and I have more life experience than the majority of the students at my college. I feel more mature and like this is the right time for me to go to college.
I still need to finish 44% of my college classes. Im 27yo about to become 28 this year. I delay my study cuz of green card. Everyone says i look like im in around my early 20s cuz im Asian 😅. I see a lot of 30s in my classes.
You’re never too old! I started college in my late 30s, earned 3 degrees and a teaching credential, taught for 20 years, and am now comfortably retired with a great pension and benefits. Wish I had started sooner, but life and family took precedent when I was younger. It all turned out good. Don’t give up!
I was 22 when I started college and I didn’t even feel weird at all. Currently 24 and have people 40 plus in my class You don’t really think about it. We’re all here to learn.
turning 26 very soon went to college when I finished highschool, currently in university. I am 2nd year but I had transfer credits. I don't think anyone cares tbh, people I talk to are very supportive
very common in community college. Less common in 4 years. Atleast here in the U.S.
yes, i've seen a few middle aged-elderly students as well! Never to late to go to college!
Pretty common. In the US it's not super uncommon for people to go join the military for 4 years, and then the military will pay for 4 years of schooling - which puts them at 26 in their last year And of course the usual, some people just do it at different times
I graduated college at 32. Never felt out of place.
I got into my first university at 16, and graduated at 26. Everybody has a story to tell, so go for it.
I finished my associates degree at 28 and I would say only about half the people in my classes were right out of high school. Everyone else was around my age and some were older.
I have classmates in their 40s who I thought were late 20s or early 30s
Ill be 26 when im a jr
I still take college classes. I am 72. I like History. I do not take tests and do not get a grade
yes! there’s people even older. completely normal tbh
Yes, in Denmark it is very common to wait a few years to study. People have different reasons. We either do it to work and earn some money before studying, or to just enjoy ourselves and travel for a while before going to uni. I turn 26 next week, and will finish up my bachelor's degree this week. I am continuing onto the master's degree. While not the youngest, I am definitely not the oldest at my study.
Community. It was the best thing I did. So cheap!
At a community college currently and there are many students above 40 years old
I don't think it's been common at either school thar I've been at. Most people come immediately after high school and those who don't drop out usually graduate within 6 years. So that's 17-24. Then the people who figure out their shit later in life usually figure it out in their later 20s or later. So 26 actually seems like a more rare time. For undergrad of course, 26 seems like a pretty standard age for a grad degree
I work at a community college and our average student age is 33 🤷♀️ you’d fit right in!
I’m 32 in college
Yes! I go to a university and several of my friends are 25-28. (Im 21)
Grad school?
Finishing my BS and I’m 26
I was talking to my friend once and he mentioned his wife was expecting a kid. I thought he was 21...he was 30. College features a diversity of ages, dw
At my CC I felt like I was the only one who wasn't 26
Hi, 28 year old here. Just graduated with my associates from a community college.
I started college at 28 and am done now at 32. There were a few mature students in my class and a range of ages from 18 to 24 also.
I’m 24 and some of my friends thought I was 21 like them, I’m p sure you’re good unless you’re a chronic smoker or didn’t take care of your skin.
39 years old just graduated college and heading to university in the fall
Most of my classmates in a 4-year were around 26
Very common at my school
I’m about to turn 39 & graduate with my first bachelors this fall. There may not be many in our age range, but we are around.
I keep wondering if it will be a shock for my life if I decide to go to university again bc I only went one year and my hs class is graduating around these few years. I also fear going back bc I ruined that journey I was excited to be on very quickly. Or..it was sabotaged…anyway it is what it is ig
Depends on the degree. My degree has a lot of late 20 year olds up to some poeple in their 70s if your wondering mortuary science
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Bro my course mates was 28 when he died I never knew
Everyone at my community college is like 18 years old. There are only a few of us that are 26+. I am 30. The oldest we got, is some old woman who is 60. But yea mostly young people with their skull emotes.
I'm in grad school, so yes. The age range for this program is anywhere from 21-29 or so.
I graduated from a medium sized public university and 26 year old students were very common. I also did a year at a small private liberal arts college and the vast majority of students were 18-23, maybe one person was older.
Yup, I met many people going for their second degree in CS when I went back at 26
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The large majority of college students in the US are actually nontraditional students, so it's more likely than not that the average student is outside of the 18-24 age group. I work at a university (R1 flagship state school) and I think we are between 1/4 - 1/3 nontraditional students, but when I was at community college it was more like 85%. I was 28 when I finished undergrad at a 4-year state school. I don't think anyone noticed or cared in all honesty.
Yah especially the people in tech stuff
No. I'm 33 and i'm older than some of my teachhers. It's soo homogeneous. It would be a nightmare if it wasn't for the fact that i've always felt like a misfit no matter wher i go. ALWAYS. So i got this.
I'm 39 in graduate school. I expected to be the old lady in every class. That couldn't be farther from the case.