Do ya think its weird when people graduate college at later ages (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30+)?

[Anonymous]

Slightly

Nope

Maybe over 30, but not really

Yes

[WindAtMyBack]

No. I went back to college in my mid-30s. That was actually a trend for a while. I'd guess the average age of people in my day classes was late 20s. In night classes, the average age was at least mid-late 30s. One guy was 52 at the time.

On the other hand, when I first went to college at a normal age, I thought my freshman room mate was ancient at 23.

Just because it's uncommon doesn't make it weird. People no longer feel obligated to commit themselves to a given path at a young age, especially when they rarely even know what's available out there. Older people have a much better idea what type of jobs are out there, what they want in life, and are more committed to getting whatever education is needed to get there.

I've had had several teachers say that older students, and students who pay their own way through college, make better students. Far too many young people do it just because they think they are supposed to.

Even at my age I would love to go back to college. If there was one nearby at a reasonable cost, I'd be doing it.

[Sunrising]

I don't think it's strange people are studying later in life.

I was 26 when I decided to end my studies.

But someone needs to decide will they benefit, it's pointless studying and there being no end product, though it might be better than spending the time aimlessly.

[4ngelic]

not in this day and age besides they probably have a good reason for being late to the party, like having served or been a very young mom, or they want to switch fields. i'd never look down on someone like that, it's never too late to get an education. but i know some people might find it strange or even will look down on people like that.

[Anonymous]

People will tell you its not weird cuz they're trying to be nice.

but as someone who had been in college for 5 years in my late teens and early 20s, IT IS WEIRD. By the time you hit 25, you will be surrounded by people who you know are too young for you on a mental standpoint such as teenagers.

[Asker]

I mean there is online college so maybe someone wouldn't feel as weird.

[Opinion Owner]

You're not gonna get the real college experience over the internet

[permanentem]

Every lecture of college courses are recorded these days. It's the same thing sitting in a lecture hall as it is sitting at a TV watching the lecture over the internet live. With online courses through universities you are still required to show up on campus for in person examines. You have all the same assignments. You use the exact same books. Nothing is different. In fact in some of my graduate education my professors were so impressed with my work over the internet and in person presentations that they tried to recruit me into their laboratories even though I didn't attend a single class.

[permanentem]

*exams

[Opinion Owner]

@permanentem

You don't get to socialize and join the clubs the same way as real college.

[AI Opinion]

Not at all. I’ve taught and coached students for over 20 years, and later graduations are increasingly common.

People start over, switch majors, work full-time, serve in the military, immigrate, raise families, or simply need more time or money. In MBA programs, I regularly see classmates finishing degrees in their 30s and 40s—and thriving.

Employers rarely care what age you graduated; they care what you can do and how you’ve grown.

Focus on finishing well and building skills, not on matching someone else’s timeline.

[ArrowheadSW]

I don't think it is weird at all. Some people can't go to college right out of high school due to life circumstances, or they decide to go to college later.

[Nikki1989]

I have never understood why so many Americans seem to stay in school for what seems like forever. I was working full time and making good money at 16 while so many others were in school with nothing to show for it.

[permanentem]

Nope. Pursuing a college degree is something you do in order to obtain a credential which you can use to persuade employers with. It's not something you do at an age, it's something you to for a specific job field to seek employment.

[HollyK21]

Absolutely not, learning is for everyone, age shouldn’t matter.

[exitseven]

no. people have different life circumstances. Many cannot afford college and do not want to take on a big debt. I graduated when I was 33.

[fonduegirl]

In this age of reading crises, I'd actually thank them with a fruit basket

[Anonymous]

Depends. Know too many people with a masters working for minimum wage.

[queenofcardio]

No, don't care

[queenofcardio]

* I wouldn't find it weird

[NathanDavis]

I don't think so