A common question that comes up quite often is, “Am I too old for college?”  While everyone is going to give you a different answer, I wanted to point out some pros, as well as some cons when it comes down to going back to college.  Hopefully, by the time you’re done reading this, you will know what path you potentially want to take!

Why do you want to go back to college?

Students go back to college for various reasons, and what you really want to do is diagnose your situation.  Are you going back to learn a skill?  Do you want to make more money?  Are you bored at home?  Answer this question, and it should let you  know on what you want to do.

Can you really afford it right now?

Since you’re older, you may have a full time job, a family, as well as other side activities.  You really need to analyze your budget, as well as your age.  If you’re 55, making $55,000 a year, then it would probably be silly to spend $30,000 on an education that will take up most of your time.

What are you going to do with this degree?

While it’s a form of, “ageism”, some companies don’t care what kind of education that you have.  You will find that some will just look at you when you interview, and just think that you’re way too old for the job.  What your plans after the degree?  Do you truly think that its going to help you in the end?

Let’s take a look at the pros of going back to college:

• You can look back, and say that you accomplished a goal.
• You’re going to educate yourself.
• It’s a great way to learn a new skill, as well as network.
• You’re going to have to spend a lot of money to get started.
• You’re never too old to learn!

Let’s take a look at some of the cons:

• It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to get a better paying job.
• It may take away from your family time.
• You may put yourself in a lot of debt.
• May not blend in with the class, depending on your age.

Now, you’re going to find that just because you’re 60, it doesn’t mean that you won’t fit.  If you’re going to go to a community college, you will find that there are a lot of students your age.  Every college varies, when it comes to students and their age.

How old is old?

I laugh when I read posts online, where people state that they are 23, and are they too old?  This isn’t even close to being old!  Think about this one for a second, and think about how many years you have ahead of yourself.

On the long road, you will find that there is no age, when it comes to college.  Do what is best for you.  You don’t have to listen to anybody else, and you will find that if you do it, you probably won’t regret it, once you receive your degree.