Starting college at when you're almost 40, would you do it?

I am 34 years old. I will be 35 in September and I am about to start college. I have a 4 year old little boy. Lots of colleges now have self paced and online classes. They allow people like me, older and with small children, to take classes and still take care of our children or even work. You may wish to look into those types of classes. Also, if you go to the school you are thinking of and talk to someone in the financial aid office, they will walk you through the whole process. There are grants, scholarships, loans, work study, all kinds of ways to pay for college. Be sure to search for all kinds of scholarships. You would be suprised to find out how many are really different. I found one once that was for a red haired, green eyed girl of Irish descent who weighed 175 pounds or more, was 25 years old and majoring in Math. There are all kinds of scholarships out there. If you have never atteneded college before, like me, start at a community college. Most if not all of your credit hours will transfer to a 4 year univeristy. Also, community college costs a TON less than a university. It's a good place to start for many reasons. For me, the cost is number one, but you also have more older people, early and late class times if you want to be on campus. Summer classes are available too and the best part of the summer schedule is that the class I want to take is at the same time as my son's swimming lessons, at the community college. So I can take my class while my son takes his swimming lessons. My class will actually let out 10 minutes before his swim class so I can get from my classroom to the pool to pick him up without him having to wait on me at all. I have always wanted to get a college education, but life had other plans for me. Now, I can go to college. When people question me because of my age, I just tell them the truth. In four years I will still be four years older. By going to college, in four years I will be four years older with a degree. Ok, so maybe it will take me 6 years, but I will still be 6 years older whether I go to college or not. So why not go to college and fulfill my dream.

If you truely wish to join for a degree join immediately, for, as time passes you may back out from the decision. Don't be shy, learning can be done at any age. But I feel that, you should join for some job-oriented courses, such that after the study you can make some income from that and can repay the loan amounts.In our country education is not that much expensive. Your 8-year old can look after himself. While he is at school you can go to your college, while he is at his studies im the evening you too can join him with your own studies and let the little one take inspiration from you! Is there not some part time courses - like evening classes where people with other jobs (aged like you)join and study? Any way bravely join the course. Hurray!

Go for it! You can go to college at any age. Why stay stuck in a professions where you're not happy? To save money, you can start at a community college if there's one in your area. You can also earn your first two years of credits by taking CLEP tests. You can look them up on the web. Most colleges will accept CLEP credits, and they will save you an enormous amount of money if you have the self-discipline to study on your own.

It is never too late to start or finish your education. I would go fo it! If you work outside the home, does your company have a tuition reimbursement program? That could help with the costs. I would suggest taking one class and see how it goes for you. Best of luck to you!

You have to do what you love. That's one of the keys to success. Since you don't like your present job, can't find another that you like, and that you really want to become a paralegal, I say go for it! At the end of life you don't really regret the things that you did. You only regret the things that you didn't do. Good luck!

I just went back to school at 35 and it has been great! It did take a couple of weeks to get the hang of it again, but after the initial fear, I am rolling. Many community colleges have paralegal programs and that cuts the cost to a more managable amount than the fancy schools. Also many feature distance learning that make it easier to juggle school, children and work. I would encourage you to check them out:)

I went back to college 3 years ago and earned my paralegal degree. It was tough, with two children at home at needed my attention, but it was also very rewarding. I graduated second on my class and was offered two jobs right away. I am not working in the legal field, simply because my special-needs son needs me at home right now. For me, school was a very positive experience. I am now qualified to get a well-paying job that will challenge my abilities when I get everything at home straightened out. I'm not sure where you live, but I attended Bryant & Stratton College. They processed all of my student loans for me. You can check them out at http://www.bryantstratton.edu/

i think anyone can go to college at any time of their lives. i went to college when i was 19 and now i'm still only 24 for i plan to go back in the bext couple of years. i had a boss who retired at 65 and she was going back to college. i thought that was great that she just wanted to learn, i really admired her for that.

Age doesn't matter! If this is something you think you'd like, then, at least, do the research. Find out exactly what you'd need for a loan and what all that entails. Sometimes the student loans can be forgiven, which would be a huge plus. Also look into the different babysitting plans, maybe there's a neighbor or good friend that you could swap with or a family member that could help out. If this is something you really want, try to make it work. Even if you can't go back to college, maybe it's time to look into other fields that don't require school; could be there's something out there that you'd enjoy more and the pay better.

I'm going to keep this simple and to the point. You've wanted to do this for a long time. Most likely in 5 years you'll still wish you'd done it. Or you could go for it now and have your dream job already in 5 years. I'm assuming this is a two years degree. You'll be 42 in two years whether you do this or not. You'll have a job to hold down, a child to care for, a house and vehicles to pay for. None of this will change either way. Don't wait for a better time to chase your dreams.

When I left school, I wanted to go to art college but got discouraged from the man my mum married after divorcing my dad. I didn't go through with it, having grown up a lot, it is something I regret not doing. I would seriously consider it, yes you have debt, yes you have a daughter to take care of and yes you have a job. If you sat down and gathered lots of information, i'm sure you could work around most things and approach in a way that works best with all your other commitments. If you really want it, then I am certain you will find a way to achieve it. Go for it! I hope you get what you aim for :o)

You can start study at any age.As you mentioned you have a child of 8 years and you are paying a nurse also,if you want to study further you can go for small courses.Higher study is very dificult at this,it requires lot of brain,physical energy and tution fees of high amount.After compliting study there is no guarantee of getting a job of higher scale.So if possible you can prepare your child for better studies and let him have good education so he can get good job,earn more then you and save some amount for future.

I say - Go for it! If this is your dream, then you owe it to yourself to go after it. It may be difficult at times, but you'll always wonder "What if?" if you don't follow your dream now! Good luck!

Why not. YOu will be better off starting now than waiting until you ar 50 and spending the next 10 years miserable.

well, people say that there is no age limit for studying... in fact it is a good thing that you still have a desire to learn... but i think it is harder for you now as you have many other commitment to fulfill as well and you are tight on budget... for me, age is not a matter at all... when i am doing my master degree, i have a friend who is almost 60 years old who is studying in the same class with me... in fact, i respect these kind of people who still have a desire to learn and upgrade themselves despite of their age... good luck...

dont let nothing stop you from your dream..im 50 an i am going to take classes in real estate.so dont feel bad because you are 40.go get what you have always wanted to do.you are never to old to learn.you can always get a goverment grant to help pay for schooling.you can talk to the school an they will help you find a way to get a loan.if anyone in your family was in the armed forces you can get a va loan.

Absolutely. 40 isn't old at all. I used to go to school with people in their 60's because tuition is free for pensioners here. Spend some time doing some research. Figure out what grants and scholerships you might be able to get and put together a financial plan. A financial advisor might be able to help you put something together. Go for it! And good luck.

I think it's great that you want to go back to college, and I think the age of 40 is hardly too old to do it. If you have no experience with college courses, try contacting a local community college. They generally have fairly low tuitions because of government subsidies. You can work on your AA degree and go from there. You can also contact your local college's financial aid department and see if they have any recommendations for scholarships or grants you may be entitled to receive. Some colleges offer payment plans to avoid the student loan mess. There are options available, and I'd love to see you try and take advantage of them. Good luck!

well, my dad did his degree when he was in his 40's.. and he is 50 this year.. when he did his degree, my dad took work leave for 2 years and his pay was deducted to half.. FYI he's a teacher and still is ^^ well, if you don't like what you're doing at the moment, how about doing some research on what you want to study.. find more information about study loans or intership.. or even study as a part timer.. this way it would take a longer time but it might be a very valueable experience for you. after all you're never too old to continue your study

My uncle started law school at 50. He use to say something to the effect that he would be 58 in 8 years anyway, he'd rather be 58 and finished with law school than 58 and wishing he had started. He passed the bar about 4 years back and now works as a law professor and LOVES it. I think if you feel a "calling" to a new career, it really doesn't matter how old you are.