Will people look down upon me as a college student in my 30s?

Question

I have just reentered college for the first time in 10 years. I am now 31. But this time I will be taking all my classes online in lieu of on campus. Plus I changed my major from education to Hospitality and Tourism management which includes Restaurants.

ChiTown33 · Accepted Answer

Some people will always look down on you no matter what you do. But that's fine. You're not doing this for them. Get this through your head now YOU'RE IMPROVING YOURSELF! F*** anyone that has a problem with that. I have a friend who went to Iowa state, U of Alabama, Drake law school. And is now a lawyer. And like what he says about education. He says "A degree is just a degree but it tells employers that you had the gumption to commit yourself to something that had no immediate payoff. That you didn't take the shortcut". If anything I would think that going back to school at your age would show an employer your committed. Because doing it later in life is scary. You're out of your element. And your not being too proud to admit to take several steps forward you need to first take a couple steps back. Again, You're making an investment in you, and your future.

WindAtMyBack · Accepted Answer

I did it in my mid 30s. It was very common at that time. It may be different now. There were several people older than me going through the program with me. One guy was in his 50s. I estimated that the average age in the day classes was around 27, and the night classes were older.

I didn't have a hard time getting back into the swing of things. I actually did much better than when I was younger. I was more serious and more motivated. It was actually one of my favorite periods of my life.

jennifer_bloom · Accepted Answer

I entered at 27 and had issues my first of four years but by third year, nobody cared cause I had mastered the ropes of school, it’s your social behaviour and not your academic ability that determines how much negativity you get from others. The only thing is, dating might be tough because your older, but academics and socials should be fine, especially since you have young people hobbies like bowling and recreational shooting at sports arenas etc… My hobbies were all serious like classical music and bible study and religious asceticism etc…

BeeNee · Accepted Answer

When I was in college in my 20s, I took one night course  b/c the day one was completely filled. Basically everyone in there was 28+. I can tell you, it didn't matter to me and if you're feeling self-conscious...don't. It is far more common these days for people to go back to school anyway than in the past. I don't understand why you think people would look down on you as you are educating yourself so that you can achieve more in life---that's a good thing. You don't need their approval to do that. Keep your eyes on your goal.

NathanDavis · Answer

college is for all ages... and it's the most common thing to go back and finish it

besides that, who cares anyway... lol

my younger brother went back to college months ago, and once he graduates... his salary will go three-fold with the promotion, so... that's what college is for, to better up yourself and your chances, so just go for it

Kori1236 · Answer

Nope. Colleges have people of all ages. I’m 29 and went back to school in September. There’s freshly graduated high school students, there’s people in their 30s or older. It’s a school setting and all that matters is you’re bettering yourself and continuing your education.

Pinay_ako · Answer

Education and knowledge shouldn’t have any age limit. If you want to keep pursuing education at 80, go for it! I applaud people who pursue their dreams.

exitseven · Answer

No, you are doing something a lot of people would not have the guys to do. A lot of people go to college later in life I teach at sort of a blue collar college and lots of my students are in their 30s and 40s.⁵

FunkyMonkee · Answer

No. I started college at 27 and made friends almost immediately! Most people in the school knew me, I even won the election for Student Council President! After being there 3 years, I went back again for more classes when I was in my mid 30's and again 10 years later. At one [point, there was an old lady taking classes there. She appeared to be at least in her 70's, if not 80's.

420Rachel · Answer

Definitely not! And if they do, they ain't got much clunking around in their heads anyhow.

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

I don't think age has any barrier on going to college and younger people shouldn't look down on you

SecretsofKB · Answer

Nope. I had over 10 classmates in my program that were at least over 30. I hat one in their 50's.  No one ever looked at them in any negative ways.

Msputiton · Answer

Does it matter.  You are going to finish something you started to ensure you have a better future. Anyone who looks down on that, do their opinion really matter?

Xoxocutekitty · Answer

Not at all! You might feel weird if it's a program of mostly 20 year Olds, but they do look up to you just because you know a whole lot more about life.

sage2021 · Answer

You are never too old to learn. What do they say - a brain is a terrible thing to waste. Go for it man.

musicbrain5 · Answer

Nobody is going to look down on you. Nobody actually cares, to be honest! I had classmates who were in their 40’s and 50’s.

TroyDT · Answer

Those who do are irrelevant. Do what you want/need for yourself.

Sour-rose · Answer

Nah. I think not. People got shi they wanna learn in college, and if they want it so bad, they'll come. Regardless of age.

Pudsmucker · Answer

Nobody should look down at you for going back to school in your 30s. I was almost 40 when I went back to get another degree. It was fun hop bobbing around with a bunch of little kids half my age. Enjoy it.

Bismarck_96 · Answer

When i was in college most students were old people some were retired Vets youngest in my campus was 19 oldest was 68 but most students (in population) was aged 30 and 40s

Phoenix98 · Answer

I genuinely don’t think anyone will care and even if they did why does it matter?

Pink2000 · Answer

No. They will not ! Better late than never.

Isla35 · Answer

I wouldn't, I would be impressed myself and I do class myself as people.

Thelastsoda · Answer

I don’t think anyone should care. A lot of people are in the same boat as you and is really common to change majors etc later on in life .. don’t worry

Jamie05rhs · Answer

Dude, do not even worry about that. Just do your thing! ✊

joejoejoe323232 · Answer

No they should not and if they do then shame on them! Your just trying to better yourself so forget what anyone else thinks. Well done you

Fuentes · Answer

No people do it at 60, do whatever you need to do to make this $$$

msc545 · Answer

No worries. People of all ages attend college. Good for you!

melanieeeB · Answer

I hope not, they're stupid if they do

dustybiker · Answer

Why care? You’re paying for an education.

Whatthefluff · Answer

Absolutely not! 💯

Avicenna · Answer

No, that’s hardly unusual

Jennz6 · Answer

No, lots of people go back to school

MikeInHawaii · Answer

I’ve known college students in their 70’s.

_Just_A_girl_ · Answer

Ignore others opinion your a paying customer

Dingdonginmymouth · Answer

No I don’t think so

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