How old is too old to go to college?
By deedee328
@deedee328 (1122)
United States
February 23, 2012 11:57pm CST
I have a great thirst for learning. I believe that gaining knowledge is a life long process and that one should take every available opportunity to gain an education.
I did not go to college until I was 33 years old. I am very proud of the associates degree in accounting that I earned. Believe me when I tell you that it was not easy considering that I had been out of school for so long. I struggled for the first few semesters because of health issues (thyroid), but in the end, I had made it through those two years and even made it onto the dean's list a couple times.
In just a couple of weeks, I will celebrate my 44th birthday and once again start college classes (this time for a BS in Criminal Justice). I know this seems incredibly odd to some people who think that if I am going to further my education at this point in my life, I should at least stick with accounting. I have loved accounting and feel like I have been successful at it. However, I feel led to the criminal justice field (concentration on youth corrections). I have always been fascinated with how the human mind works and had a desire to work with children. However I do not have the patience to teach school.
My question for you all is this: At what age is a person to old to go to college? Do you think as I do that as long as one is of sound mind and capable, then there should be no age limit on getting an education?
8 people like this
21 responses
@chrystaltears (3392)
• United States
24 Feb 12
I love furthering my education also. I don't have a BS though. I have 2 associates, I attended manpower and have certificates in different areas. I got both of my associate degrees in the evenings while I worked 60 hours a week and raised my daughter, so I am proud of what I have done.
I would begin another degree or something right now if I had the time and I am 62. I don't believe there is an age that you should stop thinking about college. If you feel you want to continue regardless of age,, that's exactly what one should do!
And you deedee should be very proud of yourself! I'm proud of you.
Feels like the wind outside is about to pick my house up and put it somewhere else. LOL!
2 people like this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
24 Feb 12
chrystaltears; You should be very proud of yourself! I has started college when my oldest son was a baby, but ran into trouble finding a sitter, so had to drop out. I didn't have transportation to go to school at night, so I had to wait, but I have no regrets. I still feel blessed that I got to stay at home with my kids and get an education.
I debated about going back to school because I worried about having the time too. I have clients I work from home for doing their accounting and book keeping. I have a client that I go to his office one day a week. I have also applied for another office job that will be 40 hours a week. I shall have to fit school in at night (guess that is a good thing about the insomnia) and on weekends between church functions.
Thank you!
The wind has been bad here too. At times it sounded like a plane or train going through the yard. I have not felt the house move yet though. It was such a lovely day. I had wanted to get my car washed, but with the wind, I would have been more soaked than the car. Oh well, there will be other days.
3 people like this
@chrystaltears (3392)
• United States
24 Feb 12
I finally got up and looked outside. I keep hearing stuff out there. Can't see anything out of place but there is a humongous grey striped cat sitting behind one of my concrete angels on the steps. He spends alot of time close to my house and when he gets the nerve up he comes on the porch and gets some of my cat's food. I don't care. I taught her to share!
When this movie goes over that I'm half watching, I need to go to sleep. Mom will be expecting me in the morning and I am not someone who does well as soon as I get up. I need some time before I take off.
2 people like this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
24 Feb 12
chrystaltears: I hear the neighbors tin roof flapping out there. It sounds kind of rough. I hope you enjoy your movie and have sweet dreams. Hope your visit with your mother is a pleasant one. Be safe and God bless.
2 people like this
@TheIrishClog (985)
• Ireland
24 Feb 12
Good on you for having the drive to seek and follow through with further education, no matter what your age.
I don't believe that there is an age at which someone is too old to go to college. I think the only time a limit could be set is where the person could not possibly keep up with the classes or take care of themselves any more. We never stop learning and those of us that are blessed with such a thirst should keep drinking!
2 people like this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
25 Feb 12
Thank you TheIrishClog. I agree with you.
1 person likes this
@yxinxin (467)
• China
24 Feb 12
Theoretically, one is never too old to learn but for most people,better education means better employment. If you already have a good job to do, why bother go to college? I can't imagine how I would feel if I sit in the classroom surrounded by people 20 years younger than me and I might be much older than my teacher.I also wonder what my teacher would think of me if such an old man attend her class to learn from her. I will not try to attend college if I think I am too old.
2 people like this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
24 Feb 12
yxinin: For me, learning new things is a joy. I am going back to college because I want a degree in a different field than I acquired my first one for. Its not about the money. It's the adventure. It's the desire to be more useful to other people.
When I first went to college, I was a little apprehensive that I would be the oldest person in the class, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were people 20 years older than I just starting their education too. I never gave much thought to the instructor's age, but as it turned out, they were all older than me too.
Teachers usually become teachers so they can help people learn. I don't think the good ones really care how old the student is. They just want to be able to teach someone who has a passion for knowledge.
I think that age is a state of mind. As long s your mind is functioning well, then you are never too old to learn.
2 people like this
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
24 Feb 12
First of all, I think what you are doing is awesome!
I have been to school twice already and I really do not like my field. It makes me very unhappy. Right now I am traveling but I will plan to go back to school again. I probably will not start until I am 33 or 34. I will be looking at 4 to 6 years of schooling. I will not be out of school until i am 40.
I think its great to educate yourself. knowledge is soo important.
2 people like this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
24 Feb 12
Monkeyrose: Thank you. I am sorry that you do not like your career field. I am a bit envious of your travels. I pray that your journey is a safe and pleasant one. I would love to trot around the globe one day. I hope that whatever you are going to school for will bring you happiness.
It sounds so strange to other people, but I do love to research and learn new things. I am one of those people that get online to research everything!
2 people like this
@jkct02 (2874)
• Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
24 Feb 12
It is never too old to further your studies. In fact, studying is a never ending process. There are simply too much to learn that we are limited by our time and commitments. I admire your eagerness to learn. At your age and the fact that you have to also look after your children, and your health, most people would have chosen to stay home and take things easy. You are an inspiration to me. I wish you success in your studies.
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
24 Feb 12
jkct02: That is how I see it, learning as a life long progress. My children are of the ages that they kind of have their own lives now. I am determined that my health issues will not interfere with getting this degree. If I were to sit around taking it easy, I fear I would age more quickly and be bored right out of my head.
Thank you for your kind words and your wishes for my success.
3 people like this
@AidaLily (1450)
• United States
24 Feb 12
Hey if you want to go to college then go for it. I just recently re-enrolled into college and though I am younger than you are... I am married, I do have kids, I have a lot of work to do being a housewife that NO ONE seems to understand. People always say I have so much time to do whatever I want but those people in my opinion don't know jack. My day starts at 8am and ends around 11pm.
I never think a person is too old for college though I have thought people were too sick or unable to go to college because the stress could cause the sickness to get worse. If you are dedicated, capable, and willing to not give up then go for it.
Also, I think its awesome that you have an Associates in Accounting. That is currently what I am going for.. I love it. I have always wanted to help people with finances, do taxes, and so on. In fact, I do most of it now with self-study but I want my degree in it. I plan to take off a few months once I graduate with my associates to start working a bit (only three or four to get used to the schedule) then go back for my Bachelor's. I am attending a nationally accredited online university and I plan to work my hardest to become top in my class. :)
So good luck in what you want to do!
2 people like this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
24 Feb 12
AidaLily: As a wife and mother, I know where you come from. I used to run into that "but you're only a housewife" mentality too. If people could only realize just what it takes to manage a house and family! To show my own family just what it was that I did all day, I went on strike for a few days. They came to see just how much I did do all day long.
I agree on the sickness being a deterrent to going to college.
Congratulations. You go my friend. I used to laugh and joke about becoming an accountant so I could at least see what it looked like to have money. I didn't have any of my own, so I could "play" with other people's money. I too, love the helping people with their finances.
It is a fantastic goal you have set for yourself and as long as you stay determined, you will reach that goal. I wish you good luck as well.
My classes will also be through an online university.
2 people like this
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
24 Feb 12
Never too old, life is all about learning and if you suddenly have a passion for it then go for it, I hated all school but when I was in my twenties I had a yearning to learn so I enrolled in some adult education classes, so no the want for learning comes at different times of peoples lives.
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
24 Feb 12
lilaclady: I will second that notion.
1 person likes this
@shaggin (72204)
• United States
24 Feb 12
I knew a lady about 6 years ago who was over 65 and was able to go to college for free because of it. I thought that was wonderful as people of that age are hired less compared to the new people fresh out of college. Them getting fresh out of college should help them in the worth force.
1 person likes this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
25 Feb 12
Shaggin I think that is absolutely wonderful. I think we should work to improve ourselves through education as long as we are mentally and physically able.
It is hard for older people to get a job. Everyone wants the younger people. It never has made much sense to me why. I think older, more mature people are less likely to miss work.
@Iriene88 (5343)
• Malaysia
24 Feb 12
No age limit for learning. In actual fact we learn everyday of our life!
There are articles on retired senior citizen who pursue degrees after
they retired. Not that they need those degrees for their career, but
they said that this keep their minds working and active. They really
feel good about it. By all means, if anyone have the resources, ie.
money, time and passion, GO FOR IT! Self achievement and satisfaction
is truly a great feeling and makes life full of meaning 
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
24 Feb 12
Thank you Iriene. I think I will be one of those people who will continue to take classes and read up on things even when there is no degree to earn from them.
2 people like this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
25 Feb 12
Cutie Wow! That is amazing and good going for her! I bet a lot of other people had to eat their words when she graduated and took her bar.
@lacieice (2060)
• United States
24 Feb 12
I went to college for the first time when I was in my mid forties. I started at a commmunity college, then transferred to a 4 year university. I got my Bachelors degree in Social work in 3 1/2 years, graduating with highest honors. I loved it, and I got a job I truely loved from it. You are never too old.
1 person likes this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
25 Feb 12
lacieice Congratulations and great going! I think it would have been easier to go to college right after high school, but life doesn't always work that way. I am really looking forward to the start of the semester. Everything fell into place rather quickly, so I feel like that this is the direction that God wants me to go in and I could not be happier. I will sort of be doing social work, too, as I will be concentrating on youth corrections through my criminal justice degree. I am going to try to get as many courses in as the college will let me every semester. I have 60 credits that transferred from my Accounting degree, so that is a big help. I hope to have it all done within a year and a half.
@woolscupiee (185)
• Philippines
24 Feb 12
As long as the physical condition of the body can tolerate the demand of being a student then why not? There is no age limit for education, learning is a lifelong process. It is for everybody, young and old. Good luck for your next degree. I hope that you will be successful and happy with what you are doing.
2 people like this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
24 Feb 12
woolscupiee: That is exactly what I think. Thank you for your well wishes. I feel certain that this is the right direction for me.
1 person likes this
@juggal0Xx420 (509)
• United States
24 Feb 12
i am currently wondering if i would be allowed to go to college with out a diploma?. but then thats just me dreaming im sure its not possible i need to find a job some way.
any ideas?
1 person likes this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
25 Feb 12
jugga You will have to get your GED I believe before you can enroll in college classes. I think that most colleges offer you courses for the GED. You would of course need to find out what the state you live in requires for a GED, but you could also get it through online studies from any nationally accredited school. You should check with the admissions office of the college that you want to attend.
It makes me sad that you seem to feel that getting an education is an unobtainable dream. I firmly believe that you can do anything that you are willing to work for. Dreams really do come true, but you have to work for them. They don't just fall out of the sky and into your lap.
What is your area of interest as far as employment goes?
@sourabharoy1992 (730)
• India
24 Feb 12
I think its not a more year. You should complete your graduation. And dont give up!
1 person likes this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
24 Feb 12
sourab: It will take a couple of years, but I am intent on getting this degree. I won't give up because I am to stubborn to let it beat me. It won't be easy, but as they say, "what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger".
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
29 May 12
I don't think there is an age limit. My husbands grandfather who was in is late 60's to early 70's at the time took college courses with my SIL when she went to college and it helped him keep his mind sharp and enjoyed having something to do.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
25 Feb 12
hi deedee I got my aa in English in my thirties and when I was 44 i went back to the U of Ca at Irvine California and go my BA in
English when I was almost 46. I found a lot of younger people
really thought it was great me going back at an older age. Its
not as easy as in your twenties but it is well worth it. So I
don't think there is any cut off as long as one is sou nd of
mind. I did it not to teach school but to help me in my writing
instead.
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
25 Feb 12
Hatley Good for you! I agree, it is worth it even if it is a little harder to go back after all those years of being out of school. I have no fear of being able to do well in my studies. I am a little worried about getting a job once I graduate. Employers seem to lean towards hiring younger people. They often miss the value of hiring someone who is more mature.
@dodo19 (47336)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
26 Feb 12
I don't think that you're ever too old to go to college. Sure, most people who go to college are late teens, early twenties, but that doesn't mean that college is only for those who are in that age bracket. You can go to college no matter how old you are. I don't think that age should stop you from doing it.
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
28 Feb 12
dodo19 Thank you for your input. I agree with you whole heartedly. Of course, I may be a little biased as I am already well past my teens and early twenties. lol
@yanzalong (18987)
• Indonesia
24 Feb 12
I think above 80 years of age.
Below 80, you are still good to study as long as you are healthy.
I plan to get an S 3 at the age of 70 at the latest.
1 person likes this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
24 Feb 12
yanza: I wish you all the best and hope you succeed in your educational endeavors.
1 person likes this
@deedee328 (1122)
• United States
24 Feb 12
Sarah: Thank you. I won't let anyone discourage me. So far, no one has even tried. I was a little surprised to tell the truth. I thought some of my family would think it was a bit ridiculous, but so far none of them has said so to me. I have a wonderful husband whose only comment was the same as it was when I went to school before, that if "you are going to start, then make sure you finish".
2 people like this
@riempie9 (1021)
• South Africa
29 May 12
Your age should not be a factor as long as you are keen and willing to study. I went to York University in Toronto at night and did five semesters. I had a legal job, I had studies, and I graduated with all Bs and an A- Here's the rub. I was still a little stupid in those days and when I got an offer for publishing my first novel, my lecturer was not even published and I quit. I knew a lot about writing at that time and did not want to waste my time doing another year when I could write. It was a huge gamble, but it paid off. Coming back to age, I also much prefer books now written by the old authors.
