Koopa Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 I am 29 and have been thinking about going to college and get a degree, I am not talking about night classes at a community college but a state college full time while working part time. I have done the research and I am eligible for a pell grant and financial aid. Is it too late in my life to try this? Has anyone on here gone to college later in life and found success? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Scorpio Chick Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 When is it too late to go to college? When you cease to have a pulse. 11 Link to post Share on other sites
pie2 Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 I am 29 and have been thinking about going to college and get a degree, I am not talking about night classes at a community college but a state college full time while working part time. I have done the research and I am eligible for a pell grant and financial aid. Is it too late in my life to try this? Has anyone on here gone to college later in life and found success? I think everyone's different, and there are many different motivators to return to college. What are your goals in getting a degree at a state college? Personally, I think an expensive college education is a little over-hyped sometimes. I wouldn't want to spend a ton of money on a degree unless I were pretty sure I would be able to make that investment back (and then some!). Some people are motivated by increasing their life experiences and knowledge about fascinating subjects. I think you can do both those things in different ways that don't cost an arm and a leg. Anyway, you know your situation the best. And for the record, I've gone to college later in life (worked full-time, studied part time at night) and I'm very glad I did (it did not cost me a ton, so I'm happy ). 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Smilecharmer Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 You are definitely not too old to get your degree. Non traditional students are usually a lot older than you. You are still young enough to fit right in. I think it is great you are doing this. Link to post Share on other sites
johnpatric Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 Well nothing wrong in that.. I have one of my cousin brother's friend who is 30 years old and he has been recently joining the college to complete his B.E. (Bachelor Degree) so its okay nothing wrong with that you can join the college and finish your study.. Link to post Share on other sites
pink_sugar Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 Never, but each situation is different. You need to make sure it's worth the investment. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
somedude81 Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 I'm 32 and I'm going to graduate with my undergrad at the end of the year. There is no reason why you can't do it. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
SJS Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 You're not too old. I'm currently 36 and in college. After the summer semester I'll have my associates, then start university in the fall (will be 37 by then). I wasted a lot of time dragging my feet. I do know others that did the same...some older than me. They helped me make my decision to go back. Link to post Share on other sites
d0nnivain Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 DH started college on line at 29 I think. He was over 35 when he finished. In grad school there were 2 people in my class over 65. You are never too old. Link to post Share on other sites
SJS Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 One way that I have thought about it...my goal is to be finished by the time I am 40. At 40, I will still have (roughly) 30 years of working left. That's a long time... 1 Link to post Share on other sites
MidwestUSA Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 I went back at 32 and graduated at 35. It was my second trip, however. The first was straight out of high school. I considered a third, but opted not to. Never too late. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Leigh 87 Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 I am 27 and started college, a full time bachelors degree. It is the best thing I have ever done. The debt in Aus is much lower than that in the US so you guys have a lot more factors to consider....It is only around 30K in Aus for a bachelors degree. Plus you get 200 dollars a week in government aid. All you need is weekend part time work and you can support yourself. The USA is much much harder in their college system and therefore more consideration needs to be made when it comes to determining the worth of getting a degree. For me it is well worth it because - I LONG to "be" someone.. to find what I am passionate about, and become a professional in that field. - I want my field of work and my job to reflect "me". Similarly to being "a teacher" or " a nurse". I want to have a profession that reflects ME. NOT to just be some retail manager who would earn the same as some nurses or teachers yet lacks the profession and job identity. - it will generate more income than other options I have that don't involve a degree. My other options are to be a retail worker and work my way up to management with a business diploma that lasts one year. I would make similar money to what I will make as a professional in my field but I would have NO drive to manage a team in a retail store:sick: - The Australian government currently makes it easy to go to college. Link to post Share on other sites
carhill Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 When is it too late to go to college? When you're dead. Simple answer. Link to post Share on other sites
M30USA Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 I had a college class with a 90 year old man once. I'll never forget it. Link to post Share on other sites
ayala Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 I know someone that was in her late 30s before she decided to get her life back on track and get a degree in Medicine. She's in her 40s and now working on her Master's. Some people find their passion later on and it's okay! 3 Link to post Share on other sites
mammasita Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 NEVER too late. I finished my graduate degree at age 35 while working full time and playing mom to my now teenage son who likes to think he knows it all 1 Link to post Share on other sites
FitChick Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 What is your reason for going to college? To get a better job or just to learn new things. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Koopa Posted May 15, 2014 Author Share Posted May 15, 2014 What is your reason for going to college? To get a better job or just to learn new things. I want just to do something I can be proud of. I have been thinking about microbiology. I know its not an easy degree but I already have a high aptitude for math and science plus a fascination with microorganisms and the roles they play in everyday life. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
littleplanet Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 Yep - I didn't really finish all my formal education until the age of 47. Being older, it was a breeze. 29 is still young young young. It's not like you're over the hill. A bit smarter, wiser. Keep your eye on the prize. Word of warning: When last counted......student debt in your country was climbing upwards of one and a quarter TRILLION. Read that number and savor it. Let it roll around for awhile. Be very careful about what kind of student "aid" you take on, considering all the likely prospects of being able to pay it back. This doesn't have to deter you in wanting to better your life by aquiring a higher education. It should just make you very wary about what your prospects will actually be, once you graduate. Your course of study will matter. The job market in your field will matter. A degree is no longer a no-brainer ticket straight into the middle class. Do some research. Talk to people who've been there, gone through it. Know what you're up against before you sign on any bottom line. But..........don't give up on education. It can break you (as has happened to many) - but it can also make you. It depends on wise choices. Good luck! 2 Link to post Share on other sites
learning_slowly Posted May 16, 2014 Share Posted May 16, 2014 Yesterday. I'm afraid it's too late now. Like everything in life, its up to you. But what I have learnt is its best to grow up early to ensure you have more time to achieve your desires. Do you want to go to college? Or are you doing it just to get a job? Is there another way to get that job? Does it have to be that job? Look at what you want before you die. Is college one of those things? is the job one of those things? Are there other ways to achieve your desires with less financial burden? Link to post Share on other sites
jbelle6 Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Never ever to late to learn. My ex MIL went in her 60's. I will definitely go when I am retired as well. Why sit around waiting to die LOL. Link to post Share on other sites
Bishop556 Posted May 26, 2014 Share Posted May 26, 2014 When your brain stops functioning. That's when it becomes a little too late. Link to post Share on other sites
Lp1 Posted May 26, 2014 Share Posted May 26, 2014 It's never too late to go back to college . I am 39& a single parent. I attend college full time& have been able to maintain a 3.3 gpa ( pre-nursing/ heavy science& math course load ) also, my college prep was very limited. I earned my GED when I was entering the 10 th grade. It's all about your mindset, setting goals& achieving them. If you want to succeed you will. If you don't try then you will never know& you will always wonder what could've been! Good luck:) 2 Link to post Share on other sites
WrinkledForehead Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 I'll be 30 this year and I'm halfway through my undergraduate program for my BS. I'm a single mommy taking 5 classes and working. Its very possible. I've wanted to obtain higher education for several years and was finally able to make that happen. Academics has become my passion. The school I attend has many non-traditional students, although the majority are traditional. I remember reading an article about an 87-year old man who had just learned to read. I read it a few weeks before starting my first freshman semester; it was heartening! It's never too late. Link to post Share on other sites
mea_M Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Honestly, I don't think it's ever too late. :-) Much more worth you're time and $ when you have a plan as to a potential career that will bring you happiness in life. Just my thoughts. Mea :-) Link to post Share on other sites
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