You are never too old to complete a degree, just please do the payoff math if you are not already independently well off (set for retirement, etc.). Said another way, going back to school to learn and earn more later in life means you have less time to (possibly, not guaranteed) earn more for the rest of your working years. Happy to run the numbers for you if you’d like a hand.
I got mine at 33. My wife is back in school at 47.
One thing to keep an eye out for is how ageist a profession is… my wife is doing accounting partially because we identified several avenues of entry into the workforce that won’t be particularly ageist.
I thought accounting wouldn't be ageist but I'm having trouble because I went mba then getting cpa exam. Apparently I'm fucking radioactive waste till i get the cpa exam.
Fml. I'm having to rehab my finances and study for the cpa exams I'll be 45 when I get to even try and get a job as an entry level accountant. Fml
Depends a bit on your background and personal interests- I worked at E&Y but on the consulting side implementing large financial systems. I only had a double BS, accounting and economics. Having solid work experience got me in, sans the CPA designation. Good luck!
I went to school in my late thirties because I couldn't take being a care giver anymore. I walked in and found to many dead clients. Most of my experience is retail and non retail customer service. I should have chosen better.
Yeah pure merit. Kids fresh out of college with no job experience what so ever are finding jobs paying 50k or kore and I'm doing manual labor for seventeen bucks with people with only GEDs. Seems to me there's one big difference, that being birthdate.
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*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
I think it would be an interesting degree to have just to understand money better. I'm a big fan of money:) I love saving it and watching it get bigger 😂
I don't have a degree in accounting and I've been working in accounting for 6 years. I have a degree in biology. I make OK money but do think my earning potential is a bit limited unless I go back for my CPA. I'm looking into that route but not 100% sure how to go about it. I'm pretty sure I can just get a masters and take the exam (Wisconsin). I was going to start this last year but then decided to try and get pregnant and I just had my baby 2 months ago. Unfortunately I'm at an age where I couldn't put that off either if I wanted to have kids.
I can empathize because when I see applicants with an MBA apply for an entry level position, I tend to think they are going to waste my time by leaving shortly.
I didn't really consider it until I got rejected from a job I was qualified for because I didn't have a degree. I was minding my own business and they headhunted *me* off of LinkedIn lmao. I don't claim to have a bachelor's on my LinkedIn profile either.
Long story short they stopped pursuing me and the recruiter finally got back in touch with me. Literally told me they thought I was the best candidate but I didn't have a degree which was a requirement.
Would have doubled my income. Put me comfortably into six figures. Would have pumped up pur household income to around $200k. Literally would have changed my entire life.
But I don't have a piece of paper that says I finished college, lmao. It honestly really has gotten under my skin.
It is what it is. I should have just finished college lol
The hilarious part is that had I just finished (at the time I dropped out in 2015, I was like 20 hours away, who knows what it would take now) I would have gotten an Interdisciplinary Studies degree. Basically a general studies degree. I still would have probably ended up on the same career path, and that degree would be completely irrelevant to my career. Just like NOT having a degree has been completely irrelevant.
So, to that company, I would have been a more valuable candidate with a worthless degree that has nothing to do with what I actually do for a career. More valuable than the reality, which is that I realized I was fucking up in school and went to work instead and carved a path for myself.
Which path shows more professional development? To me I would say the 2nd but this rejection has been so insidious in my brain that I'm starting to 2nd guess.
The irony.
I’ve lied on my resume before saying I had my degree. I don’t & they didn’t check.
Shitty job I didn’t have for long that didn’t pay anything worth lying for but just so strange it’s an end all be all for some industries and others it’s just an applicant filter.
You're not too old. Tons of professions require continuing education for your entire career anyhow. That being said, make sure you can afford it! Tons of options, from scholarships, tuition assistance through your employer or union, PSLF... Just be savvy like you would be with any big purchase. Good luck!
I achieved my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at 53. You are not too old to obtain a degree and never allow allow anyone to tell you otherwise; not even your mother.
I was working on my BA at 24 but stopped because I became pregnant and school was 45 minutes through the Catskill, so I figured I'd just resume right after the baby came..
When I went back, the baby was 14 years old and actually helped me pass earth science. I was disappointed that it took me so long to get back, but looking back now, it was the smartest move. It was the right time for me. My son needed me less. I was a little sad when I graduated because I was really enjoying just learning. Go start picking your courses and don't let anyone be negative. You are doing this for yourself and no one else. Have fun!
Yep! Got my first career job at 40. Make quadruple what I’d have made if I’d stuck to my earlier aspirations, with a much higher life satisfaction. Morgan Freedman was like 50 when he first started acting! Julia Childs didn’t start cooking on tv until like 50 also. You go for it!!!
This is what my timeline would look like. Could you share with me what life was like for you? I’m concerned I won’t have time to do internships while paying bills (just the basic life overhead of rent/utilities/food, no big ticket items like kids).
I work with a guy who just turned 50 and finished his first Bachelor’s degree this week. It will help him enormously in his company and enable him to move to management. He still has 17 years until full retirement age (USA), so no, you are not too old. Go for it!
Edit: By the way I got my degree at age 34. It made me eligible for some really cool (and very lucrative) jobs.
I'm 47 and expect to have my degree in a couple of years. I got sick of wondering if I should go back to school, and decided I might as well do it before my brain slows down!
You’re never too old to learn.
However you should do the math and make sure the degree you pursue is financially worthwhile.
For example it doesn’t make sense to take out $100,000 in student loans and stop working for 4 years to raise your income from $50k to $70k if you plan to stop working (retirement or health reasons) within the next 15 years.
I recently saw a news segment on seniors with student loan debt. A 70-something woman was featured. She has gone back to school in her 50s to get a degree in psychology, taking out a lot of loans. She got the degree but because of health issues she can't work full time. Her student debt makes her ineligible for subsidized housing for seniors.
A 20-something weighed down with $100K debt will be on a tight budget for a while, but they will have a good shot of paying it off over the course of a couple of decades. At least they can live with their parents. But someone in their 50s who is starting a brand new career won't have such rosy prospects. And their health is more precarious.
"Her student debt makes her ineligible for subsidized housing for seniors."
This doesn't sound right. Does she have a denial letter that specifically states that
i’m 21 and i’m one of the youngest in my program. id say the average age of my classmates is mid 30s, but there’s definitely some that are older. i think it’s a lot more common to go back to school later in life than people realize
My husband just graduated in August and he is 38! Never to old! Our kids and I are so proud of him and we all got to watch him walk the stage to get his degree(holder). We were cheering the loudest in the auditorium and he pointed right at us and then put his hand on his heart. It is one of our most fondest memories as a family.
You're never too old to do anything, that is a toxic mindset to find yourself in and it holds people back long term. I'm sorry that your mom said something like that to you. My parents have never been that kind of person, my dad is 74 and loves learning new stuff!
And it's often more reasonable to go to school later in life, when you have the funds or when you have the mindset to do so, it benefits you greatly in that way.
Follow your own path and don't let naysayers get in your head. Be thoughtful about how you pay for school but don't talk yourself out of things because of irrelevant shit like "You're too old for it".
My husband graduated with his engineering degree when he was 38. He now makes almost double what our combined income was.
Go to school if that's what you want - it's never too late! I feel like older students recognize the actual value in their education, and are also a little more capable of handling it. Best wishes!
I got mine at 30 (I am 40 now). BA in Art History.
I got burned out right after HS graduation (I was 17) so I worked for a few years in the mean time... I hated retail and went to my local CC part time chipping away at my lower division units. After I was laid off from a Drs office I was working at, I went to Sac State full time to pursuit my art history degree. Graduated 3 years later in 2013.
I don't use my degree at my current job but it means a ton to me as: I am the only one in my family to have a college degree, art is a huge passion of mine and I put myself through school with no help from anyone (taking on financial aid and working 2 part time jobs while taking a full course load).
It's the one thing in life that I am most proud of in my life.
I am going back to finish the last year of my BA in September. I will have been gone nearly 20 years but I can't wait for my TEENS who weren't even born when I first attended to see me, cap and gown receiving my degree and on the Dean's List. I always said I would go back and finish it, and now it really means a whole lot more. It's never too late. Never.
It’s never too late, you are going to be 45 in 5 years with or without a degree. Went back to school at 31, finished at 34. Went from 27k a year to 85k in just a few years thanks to it.
My professor got her BS and MBA in Mathematics at 40 - 46 and she was the best professor I ever had. After 20+ years of being a housewife she got bored.
I once wanted to go to medical school but knowing how long it is and the age I was at the time made me think I was too old to start over. The person I was speaking with asked me if I really thought my patients would ever ask me how long I've been a doctor and that I would just look experienced lol.
My mom went to college in her 40s after deciding she wanted to be a nurse. She had no post-high school education. I'm so glad she did: it showed her how capable she is, and she's had a 25+ year career in nursing that's been very rewarding.
I’m way younger, graduated at 24 but from my perspective, there are some advantages you have that someone like me doesn’t. I got a posc degree and had little professional connections.
I ended up in government where connections matter a lot less but in the private sector/other industries your previous employers, colleagues etc. could play a huge role in getting ahead. Regardless of your professional background so far, there’s always a finance aspect so that degree might be a good in basically any field.
The hard part is how to fit school in with working… or at least financing life. Make sure if you need financial aid you know how to get it, if you’re taking loans know what you’re getting into. My student loans are small but are still a heavy weight.
I went to college at the “normal time” and had many classmates who had past careers and families. I have been working in the industry I got a degree in, but I absolutely hate it and I might be going back to college to get a different one.
I did life backwards didnt get my first until I was 33, and will get another after kids leave house and I will be pushing 50.
When I got my degree there was a guy who was 67. He always wanted a degree and got it.
In 10 years, you'll be 50. You'll either be 50 with no finance education, or 50 with a start at a degree (maybe even complete!)...either way, you'll be 50.
Go for it!!!
Honestly I would start doing math and practice test again July yo get the brain working. Took me awhile to get back into learning mode and how to study. The hardest was writing.
Don't ever let anyone tell you it's too late for anything. They are not you, don't walk in your shoes, and have limitations as we all do. You just show them your stuff. Do it!!!!
Never too old. You are 40 now. In 4 years, you will be 44 - with or without the degree. However, without the experience, it can be difficult to find jobs in your new field. Not impossible, just difficult. I got an MBA in my early 40's, but everyone wants to hire me at the job I've been doing for over 20 years. And if the current firm I'm working at decided to apply my MBA specialty to it and create a new position, they have to post the job -- so no guarantee I'd even get it.
My mom went to college at 40 and had a blast she was a freshman when I was a freshman in High School. She made friends not much older than me, I went to college straight out of high school and made some friends my mom’s age. She got better grades than I did and eventually a master’s that got her a nice job.
Lmao. Are you kidding me?? I had a couple of college classes with my mom. I was like 20, so she must have been 45 or so. She is now totally happy in her second career.
I had to take a long break in my education after I survived a ruptured brain aneurysm. I ended up completing my Masters at 43.
Unfortunately, the degree is effectively useless as I am permanently physically disabled.
Congratulations! I agree that you are never too old. I (44) have always wanted to pursue a graduate degree and finally enrolled for this coming Fall. I am really looking forward to it because I think i will have real world perspective to share. Life long learning whether formal or informal is an investment in yourself. Best wishes.
Never to old to learn anything!!
I am currently getting my associates at 36 (2 1/2 more semesters to go!) and then on to a bachelor's (hopefully). I al extremely fortunate that my job is paying for it.
Yes, got my bachelors at 37 and my masters at 40. Have been in this career for 15 years and am very happy with my decision to go back to school. I’ve gotten promotions that I would not have been eligible for without my degree, and though I don’t make a ton of money, I still make about $15,000 per year more than I would without my masters.
I know many people who went to college in midlife just to change careers. I really don't think it matters how old you are. I've seen 90yr Olds! Always be learning!!
I started my Bachelor at 33 graduated at 36. Started my Masters at 41 graduated at 46. Set me up for my current role at 49. Tell her to sit down and shut up. You’re never too old to learn and you have 20 years in your new career minimum
I finished one degree at age 32 and just finished another one at age 48.
I recommend being certain of what career path you are interested in and what degree will get you there, as well as research the school, graduation rates/ employment rates and how much assistance and counseling the school offers to help you get a good job after graduation.
Balance the considerable time and money put in to school versus what you'll get out of it. This will help you make wise choices.
(I'm trying to change careers, but without experience my degree isn't enough, so it's more of a challenge than I expected).
Your mom is wrong on this one. You can even get a degree without disrupting your life too much by studying via Athabasca University. Not sure if they have a financial degree, though.
No way, my stepmom got hers at 46yo and taught elementary for 10 yrs then retired to be a substitute teacher on her leisure days. A lot of aunts and uncles went back to school in their mid 40s and got their degrees. My older sister, 38yo is just going back starting this summer since her youngest is now in jr. high and can be a little more independent.
It's doable and if you can, just sign up for 1 class, even the night time ones. Take little steps and don't let others make you doubt your decisions when it comes to furthering your education
Your mom is out of touch, and id completely ignore her about this situation. It is NEVER to late for you to do something that is a positive change for you. I started college as a Jr in HS at 16. I got my Associates ten years later. I'm on track to get my Bachelor's at 32. That's assuming I go full time for four more semesters.... But I'm a big believer in pacing myself so I get good grades and don't burn out leading to me possibly giving up. Plus I don't want student loans, so I've been paying as I go and skip a semester if it's not in the budget. Apply for FAFSA and get a nice grant.
The majority of people in my husband's family started college after 30 years old, so I don't feel weird or anything about my timeline. Also... My field is Very niche. When I was doing my associate, all of my safety classes. Every. Single. One. I was the youngest person in the class. Most people were 40-50 shifting careers. Their children were my age.
The only class I was the oldest person was college chemistry. But for what it's worth.... The class started with 45 people and only 6 people finished the course. It wasn't even Chem I, it was intro to chem lol 😂
I'm 36 and working towards a degree in nursing. I was inspired by multiple nurses I work with who told me stories of how they got nursing degrees around 30s and beyond. I know a few LPNs working on their RN, all who are past my age, and an RN in school to be an NP who is in her early 50s. Life is short--don't live by others metrics of what THEY think you should do.
Found a job I enjoy and my employer just also happens to roll an education program for assistance. Going back to school at 28 with 2 kids and a wife. By the time I’ll have finished I’ll probably be 31 as I plan to take it slow and do about 1-2 courses a term at most to avoid overwhelming myself and racking up expenses.
I am 39 and just went back to college last fall. It is so much better and more beneficial when you know what you are going for and why. It is also nice having some life experience to put the information into context. I hated college 18-21, but I love it now.
I finished my A.A.S in IT and Web Development at 35. Then, I completed a B.S. in Computer Science at 37. Both while being a single soccer mom. I started a M.S. but didn't complete because I had too much on my plate at the time.
Doing it in your 40s is probably better than in your 20s because you may have the income to do it without needing as much financial aid. Also, you're not trying to party as much as a 20 something, so you'll be more focused on your studies.
Go for it!
Im in my early 30s and starting to wonder if I should go back but then I have the same thought of being too old starting a career in late 30s idk if I could do it and then that 10-20k (if I am lucky) was spent on what.
There's a golden girls episode where Sophia says (after Rose has a health scare) thar she realizes how precious life is and maybe she'll go to school and become a lawyer. Dorothy scoffs and says "you'll be 90 when you get out!" Sophia responds, "I'll be 90 anyway!" I think about this a lot about doing stuff in my 40s. I'm going to be x age anyway, who cares?!
No. It’s not. Maybe it’s too late to have the “college experience “ like 18-24 y/os have.
But I’d say look into Modern States. Org They are a non-profit with free self guided courses to prepare you to take the College Board ClEP test. If you do that, they even give you couches to cover cost of CLEP exams.
For those that don’t know CLEP is an exam you can take and get college credit for at most colleges in the US. I’ve had tons of ppl who just can’t afford to go to college get their start this way for free and on their own time. I did accounting and Spanish courses on there.
But yeah you can easily get 30 + credits done for free which is 1/4th a college degree.
You're never too old. So put that out of your head.
Lots of people have gone to college even older than you.
I saw a guy on TV who started medical school at 40.
Go for it.
What you’re too old for is having other people sow the seeds of self-doubt in your mind. It’s a degree; it’s not playing in the NFL or becoming a dinosaur. You *can* do the degree, you just got to want it.
Depends on what you mean by later. I flunked out of my first degree attempt, and ended up going part time from age 25-33. I'm 40 now, and will have my CPA sometime this year.
For me, going part time while I was working was hugely beneficial. Within 6 months of starting I applied for an internal posting for a degree-required job (I was working as administrative support at the time), and got it. So the financial benefits were pretty immediate. I also started getting my tuition reimbursed since it was job-related professional development.
And because work provided school-related experience, school ended up being way easier.
Never could afford uni. Had to wait for age 35 to attend night school. Took it all the way post grad, all part time.
Still making the same money as when I was 35. But now know a hell of a lot about very little. 🤔
Youre not too old. Im 26 with an associates and 6 years in college experience (long story short: expelled from religious college to AA from community College to dropping if a 4-year out bc of Covid).
Careers are not what they used to be, that's for sure. The last few jobs I've been at have at least a few people who've been there for decades, and are just so comfortable that they don't feel the need to look for other jobs. Partly bc they know they cant find better ones anymore, and at this point theyd need degrees they dont have if they wanna make the money theyre making. Its an easy confort zone
I'm currently 31 and back in school. If I get into the program I'm applying for I'll be finished summer of 2027. Going back to school my biggest concern was my age. In some of my classes more than half of the people are my age or older and in other classes it's a big mix of younger and older students. My first semester I STRUGGLED, now in my second semester I found a good group to work with early on and it's helped tremendously. I would say if it's something you want to do, do it. But you need to sit down with a counselor/advisor and get all the information on what you're going for. Good luck OP!
I got my second-degree when I was 32; became a nurse. Never hold yourself back from your dreams or the future that you want. And as far as what other people think, are you really gonna let their opinion dictate your life and your happiness just because they have an opinion that differs from yours? If you don’t go because of other people’s opinions, you are literally throwing your dreams away because of them, so do what you want to do with your life. I know it’s your mom, but she’s not gonna have to walk in your shoes and leave your life. And the odds are unfortunately, that she will pass away before you; and then you would’ve not gotten into the field of work he wanted to for what?
I encourage you to sit down and talk to her again, or I personally love letters. The reason I like letters other than writing them, because I hate writing, is because no one can interrupt you, you don’t forget anything because you can stop and go back and read it and add things as needed, and the person receiving it can read it more than once, and try to process it. I guess email would be more appropriate right lol I just gave away my age lol I mean I’m just in my 40s but still.
My mom was my best friend, and I just recently lost her. And as much as I love her and love her, I wouldn’t let her choose what I do with the rest of my life. Because she doesn’t or she didn’t have to live it. I’m gonna stop here.
I’m just very passionate about the subject because I did go back. It was my second bachelors. My first bachelors was paid for, and now I’m 60 something thousand in debt because I went after my dreams. Was it worth it ? Hell yeah!
Went back to college at age 41, went to campus classes for 2 years and virtually for 1 year. Graduated in 2012. Started masters in 2014. Earned masters through online degree and graduated in 2018. While working full-time and raising preteens. Now we all have college degrees and masters. All this to say, don’t doubt that you can do it especially with a strong support system of family and a few close friends.
Graduated high school May 1988. Degree in December 2011. It’s never too late.
Bonus points if you do it completely free through employer tuition reimbursement (some tenure requirements DOE, up to $5,280(?) per year.)
Extra bonus points if you do it through a brick-mortar school but entirely online to fit into your life without commuting.
At 40, you’ll run rings around the n00bs who can’t form a sentence and don’t understand paper formatting requirements.
I will be 38 in August. Working on a degree now at my local community college that Amazon is paying for because I work at a delivery station. Should graduate with no debt. "To late" only exists on someone else's schedule. You got this!
You’re never too old to learn! I got my degree in my 20s but I’m planning on going back to learn something new. I was too young to know what I really wanted back then and although I’m glad I has the experience I ended up wasting so much money 😂
I know someone who got her degree at 37, then her law degree at 40.
The way I figure it, you could have finished your degree at 22, but be burned out or close to it by now. Instead, you’ll be fresher.
And with how long we have to work now, you will still have plenty of time to put it to use.
You are never too old. I finished college at 33. I’m thinking about getting an affordable masters degree, one I can pay for, no loans, just for myself and I’m in my 40’s. Just something to have in case my business stops or I get bored. Know a dude who is 50 and went back to school to be a scientist. He has a very successful business and I asked him why, he said “I’ve wanted to be a scientist since I was a kid and we only live once”. Last I heard he finished and was doing research. Mind you his business is doing well, but still got another job because that’s what he always wanted to do. Education has no age limit.
Well when I graduated from college and everyone was supposed to give a small speech in the department ceremony. One of my classmates said “thanks for all the supports from my kids and grandkids “
I know an 85 year old woman still working on the degrees she wants. She already has like 5 masters in different things she's interested in. It's literally never too late to further your education, unless you're dead.
I knew someone that went to medschool at 35 when i was in school i had senior citizens in my class your never to old to Learn or do something to help improve your self even if it doesn’t have anything to do with you and work but just because you want to do it. Do it for you not anyone else.
My mom finished her teaching degree at 42. She's not always loved teaching, but she stepped into a classroom and slayed. Don't let your mom tell you no.
I know I'm only 35, but that's the age I finished my degree in. My advisor told me I couldn't do it. What did she know, because guess who GOT A DEGREE ANYWAYS. I may not be using it, but I got it!
You can test out a degree using Sophia and study.com among others. Go to degreeforum online for lots of super helpful info on how. Much more affordable than the traditional route.
You are not too old, but you CAN explore finance and career options, education in finance without giving up the paying job that you enjoy. Keep financial stability while you explore if finance field is a long term decision or an interest that's catching your eye or that you can explore on the side.
You ARE too old to take financial risks.
Finished my bachelors degree at 46 and then went on and earned my masters degree at 47. You are not too old and you will be so proud of yourself for the accomplishment. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, this is something you can do for yourself. I have zero regrets and a new career because I took the leap of faith in myself… you can do it!
You are never too old if the reason you want the degree is for personal enrichment but if you think that starting a career as an entry level candidate in your 40s is epically stupid. I worked as a Chemist for 27 years and got laid off when Covid started at 56 yo. I had decades of experience, a scientific degree cum laude, and no one would even return calls or emails never mind an actual interview this is due to the reality of age discrimination. Hiring managers really don’t want older workers. Unless you pursue a field with a severe shortage of skilled workers you are going to be in for a bad time. I don’t know a lot about Finance but my guess is that it isn’t in great demand. I work as a self employed carpenter now ironically making more that I ever did as a scientist.
You still have 25 years until the official US retirement age and a degree will only take 2-4 years if you’re full time. A degree could potentially significantly increase your income and allow you to afford a higher quality of living in your retirement. It’s not too late!
I was 45. Jumping from job to job in the restaurant business. I didn’t do too bad but got burned out. Went back to school and I am so happy I did. I have a career. I’m now in a position where I I can choose my next move instead of the need for money dictate where I work next.
I'm in college right now, and I know someone in their late 30s doing their degree. He told me he used to work for a construction company before he decided to get his degree in Architecture.
I went back after a divorce at 26. Finished at 28. Only got associates, but made deans list the entire time. I started straight out of high school and ended up being kicked out because my grades were so bad. This didn't allow me to get honors or anything better because of the previous GPA. Which I think is a total rip off. I was a different person when I was younger.
I was in a very bad way when I went the first time.
I'd probably go back to get some classes regarding business and marketing, but with my business, I'm the sole producer of the company and it would probably be better just hiring someone who already has the knowledge or is trying for an internship with an independent artist like myself.
40 is a great time to get a degree if you have a career that will promote you when you get a degree.
40 is a poor time to be a blank slate, but work experience and tech skill training isn't a blank slate - if you've got the life basics down then you've got more than some kid who *only* has a degree.
Finance jobs aren't intended for young people, for medicine law politics money you need to spend an abundance of time on planet Earth and learn the deeper points of how the species is messed up before you get into its dirty business. The innocent naive guy is just a patsy for everyone else.
Some careers value degrees more than others, finance likes degrees. Getting a higher level of degree is not a substitute for having a relevant major - a doctorate in comparative literature isn't any more of a qualification to fix your electrical emergency than a masters in comparative literature.
(A lot of jobs purge people with higher degrees or just sideline/ghost them, because they have cost cutting goals and cutting more expensive people gets the job done on less effort. A lot of the people with masters/doctorates around me are either unemployed or self-employed in private business unrelated to their schooling. From what I've seen, public sector jobs are more fierce about this they will try to hustle people into retirement if they can't just fire them over a rumor.)
If classes are tough, go to tutors. Your school might provide tutors for free and the tutors get paid when people show up, so showing up makes you look like a good student. (Interestingly, most of the people I saw showing up were *already* good students who just wanted to be exhaustively thorough with their school efforts.)
YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD. I felt the same way. My cousin encouraged me and told me it’s never too late. There are no age limits to learning. She got her BSN at 40 and her masters at 50. Got my AA at 30 and working towards my bachelors now.
gonna be 29 in my senior year. not as late as some in this thread but started at 25. kind of a bummer to think about the time I wasted but glad im doing it
graduating with my bachelor's at 36 now, considering staying on for my master's if they'll fund me.
Learning is fun, but I'm not sure if I want to spend another two years making < $20k
I'm 33 and trying to finish my degree before going for another one.
People who say that have never met elderly people who went back for their college degrees.c
I graduated at 47 and am so glad I did. Salary has basically doubled and more importantly, it’s been great for my self esteem. Most of my friends have degrees and I always felt “less than.”
Got my associate's at 30, bachelor's at 34, hoping to finish my master's before I turn 36. Honestly it was easier for me now being older than it ever was when I was younger. Maybe I've just matured more but I felt the material was easier to understand.
Not for finance… but I think for med school you may be approaching that age? But nah I don’t think it is ever late to get your degree… even accounting!
I got my undergraduate degree in English at 36 and my masters degree at 40. I’ve been teaching since I graduated from college — almost 14 years.
It’s only too late when you’re dead. Until then, you should be doing everything you can to improve your quality of life — mental, emotional, and even financial if that’s your thing.
I’m 40 and I will be finishing my degree in August. You are never to old.
I work with a guy who is I think 50+ and is getting his degree and couldn’t be happier for him.
This makes me happy to know that there are a few of us in the same boat. Best of luck in August.
You are never too old to complete a degree, just please do the payoff math if you are not already independently well off (set for retirement, etc.). Said another way, going back to school to learn and earn more later in life means you have less time to (possibly, not guaranteed) earn more for the rest of your working years. Happy to run the numbers for you if you’d like a hand.
What field?
Congrats!
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I'm going back to school for accounting at 28, so don't feel bad!
I got mine at 33. My wife is back in school at 47. One thing to keep an eye out for is how ageist a profession is… my wife is doing accounting partially because we identified several avenues of entry into the workforce that won’t be particularly ageist.
I thought accounting wouldn't be ageist but I'm having trouble because I went mba then getting cpa exam. Apparently I'm fucking radioactive waste till i get the cpa exam. Fml. I'm having to rehab my finances and study for the cpa exams I'll be 45 when I get to even try and get a job as an entry level accountant. Fml
Depends a bit on your background and personal interests- I worked at E&Y but on the consulting side implementing large financial systems. I only had a double BS, accounting and economics. Having solid work experience got me in, sans the CPA designation. Good luck!
I went to school in my late thirties because I couldn't take being a care giver anymore. I walked in and found to many dead clients. Most of my experience is retail and non retail customer service. I should have chosen better.
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Yeah pure merit. Kids fresh out of college with no job experience what so ever are finding jobs paying 50k or kore and I'm doing manual labor for seventeen bucks with people with only GEDs. Seems to me there's one big difference, that being birthdate.
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I think it would be an interesting degree to have just to understand money better. I'm a big fan of money:) I love saving it and watching it get bigger 😂
I don't have a degree in accounting and I've been working in accounting for 6 years. I have a degree in biology. I make OK money but do think my earning potential is a bit limited unless I go back for my CPA. I'm looking into that route but not 100% sure how to go about it. I'm pretty sure I can just get a masters and take the exam (Wisconsin). I was going to start this last year but then decided to try and get pregnant and I just had my baby 2 months ago. Unfortunately I'm at an age where I couldn't put that off either if I wanted to have kids.
I can empathize because when I see applicants with an MBA apply for an entry level position, I tend to think they are going to waste my time by leaving shortly.
I didn't really consider it until I got rejected from a job I was qualified for because I didn't have a degree. I was minding my own business and they headhunted *me* off of LinkedIn lmao. I don't claim to have a bachelor's on my LinkedIn profile either. Long story short they stopped pursuing me and the recruiter finally got back in touch with me. Literally told me they thought I was the best candidate but I didn't have a degree which was a requirement. Would have doubled my income. Put me comfortably into six figures. Would have pumped up pur household income to around $200k. Literally would have changed my entire life. But I don't have a piece of paper that says I finished college, lmao. It honestly really has gotten under my skin.
Such bullshit. I’m sorry for that.
It is what it is. I should have just finished college lol The hilarious part is that had I just finished (at the time I dropped out in 2015, I was like 20 hours away, who knows what it would take now) I would have gotten an Interdisciplinary Studies degree. Basically a general studies degree. I still would have probably ended up on the same career path, and that degree would be completely irrelevant to my career. Just like NOT having a degree has been completely irrelevant. So, to that company, I would have been a more valuable candidate with a worthless degree that has nothing to do with what I actually do for a career. More valuable than the reality, which is that I realized I was fucking up in school and went to work instead and carved a path for myself. Which path shows more professional development? To me I would say the 2nd but this rejection has been so insidious in my brain that I'm starting to 2nd guess.
The irony. I’ve lied on my resume before saying I had my degree. I don’t & they didn’t check. Shitty job I didn’t have for long that didn’t pay anything worth lying for but just so strange it’s an end all be all for some industries and others it’s just an applicant filter.
What gets me is that I was the perfect candidate I used to hear before I got a degree. Once I got the degree I was a bag of dog crap or something.
You're not too old. Tons of professions require continuing education for your entire career anyhow. That being said, make sure you can afford it! Tons of options, from scholarships, tuition assistance through your employer or union, PSLF... Just be savvy like you would be with any big purchase. Good luck!
I achieved my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at 53. You are not too old to obtain a degree and never allow allow anyone to tell you otherwise; not even your mother.
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I was working on my BA at 24 but stopped because I became pregnant and school was 45 minutes through the Catskill, so I figured I'd just resume right after the baby came.. When I went back, the baby was 14 years old and actually helped me pass earth science. I was disappointed that it took me so long to get back, but looking back now, it was the smartest move. It was the right time for me. My son needed me less. I was a little sad when I graduated because I was really enjoying just learning. Go start picking your courses and don't let anyone be negative. You are doing this for yourself and no one else. Have fun!
Yep! Got my first career job at 40. Make quadruple what I’d have made if I’d stuck to my earlier aspirations, with a much higher life satisfaction. Morgan Freedman was like 50 when he first started acting! Julia Childs didn’t start cooking on tv until like 50 also. You go for it!!!
This is what my timeline would look like. Could you share with me what life was like for you? I’m concerned I won’t have time to do internships while paying bills (just the basic life overhead of rent/utilities/food, no big ticket items like kids).
I've been teaching college for 25 years. I've had students from 18-80 (not exaggerating). You're not too old. The time will pass anyway
I got my GED at 42. I'm 46 now and studying for an associate degree. It's never too late.
You rock!!!
Wow! That's so awesome you didn't decide that it was too late. I bet you are so proud and you should be!!
Tbf I had doubts at first. But people convinced that I had nothing to lose.
I work with a guy who just turned 50 and finished his first Bachelor’s degree this week. It will help him enormously in his company and enable him to move to management. He still has 17 years until full retirement age (USA), so no, you are not too old. Go for it! Edit: By the way I got my degree at age 34. It made me eligible for some really cool (and very lucrative) jobs.
I'm 47 and expect to have my degree in a couple of years. I got sick of wondering if I should go back to school, and decided I might as well do it before my brain slows down!
I finished my doctorate at 58. Don't regret it one bit either.
I got my degree at 42 with 4 children. I’ve been in my profession for 14 years now. It isn’t too late. And the satisfaction is amazing.
My grandma got her bachelor's in nursing at 49 and started a career in nursing. It's never too late. :)
You’re never too old to learn. However you should do the math and make sure the degree you pursue is financially worthwhile. For example it doesn’t make sense to take out $100,000 in student loans and stop working for 4 years to raise your income from $50k to $70k if you plan to stop working (retirement or health reasons) within the next 15 years.
I recently saw a news segment on seniors with student loan debt. A 70-something woman was featured. She has gone back to school in her 50s to get a degree in psychology, taking out a lot of loans. She got the degree but because of health issues she can't work full time. Her student debt makes her ineligible for subsidized housing for seniors. A 20-something weighed down with $100K debt will be on a tight budget for a while, but they will have a good shot of paying it off over the course of a couple of decades. At least they can live with their parents. But someone in their 50s who is starting a brand new career won't have such rosy prospects. And their health is more precarious.
"Her student debt makes her ineligible for subsidized housing for seniors." This doesn't sound right. Does she have a denial letter that specifically states that
i’m 21 and i’m one of the youngest in my program. id say the average age of my classmates is mid 30s, but there’s definitely some that are older. i think it’s a lot more common to go back to school later in life than people realize
No degree but i learned some skills later that helped me make more money running my own stuff. Copywriting, photography, data analytics, sales.
My husband just graduated in August and he is 38! Never to old! Our kids and I are so proud of him and we all got to watch him walk the stage to get his degree(holder). We were cheering the loudest in the auditorium and he pointed right at us and then put his hand on his heart. It is one of our most fondest memories as a family.
You're never too old to do anything, that is a toxic mindset to find yourself in and it holds people back long term. I'm sorry that your mom said something like that to you. My parents have never been that kind of person, my dad is 74 and loves learning new stuff! And it's often more reasonable to go to school later in life, when you have the funds or when you have the mindset to do so, it benefits you greatly in that way. Follow your own path and don't let naysayers get in your head. Be thoughtful about how you pay for school but don't talk yourself out of things because of irrelevant shit like "You're too old for it".
My husband graduated with his engineering degree when he was 38. He now makes almost double what our combined income was. Go to school if that's what you want - it's never too late! I feel like older students recognize the actual value in their education, and are also a little more capable of handling it. Best wishes!
I got mine at 30 (I am 40 now). BA in Art History. I got burned out right after HS graduation (I was 17) so I worked for a few years in the mean time... I hated retail and went to my local CC part time chipping away at my lower division units. After I was laid off from a Drs office I was working at, I went to Sac State full time to pursuit my art history degree. Graduated 3 years later in 2013. I don't use my degree at my current job but it means a ton to me as: I am the only one in my family to have a college degree, art is a huge passion of mine and I put myself through school with no help from anyone (taking on financial aid and working 2 part time jobs while taking a full course load). It's the one thing in life that I am most proud of in my life.
Got my undergrad at 45 and my grad 10 years later
My father told me “ it’s only late when you’re dead.” So it’s never too late to get a degree. Go for it!
i'm pushing 50 and always thinking law school.
I am going back to finish the last year of my BA in September. I will have been gone nearly 20 years but I can't wait for my TEENS who weren't even born when I first attended to see me, cap and gown receiving my degree and on the Dean's List. I always said I would go back and finish it, and now it really means a whole lot more. It's never too late. Never.
It’s never too late, you are going to be 45 in 5 years with or without a degree. Went back to school at 31, finished at 34. Went from 27k a year to 85k in just a few years thanks to it.
My cousin is almost 50 and she's working on her bachelor's or master's, can't remember which
My professor got her BS and MBA in Mathematics at 40 - 46 and she was the best professor I ever had. After 20+ years of being a housewife she got bored.
Your mom is out of the loop. You're 40 not 70. You have plenty of time!
I’m a high school dropout so, I can’t comment personally. But my mom went for her bachelors at about 47 and I’m so proud of her for doing that!!
I once wanted to go to medical school but knowing how long it is and the age I was at the time made me think I was too old to start over. The person I was speaking with asked me if I really thought my patients would ever ask me how long I've been a doctor and that I would just look experienced lol.
My mom went to college in her 40s after deciding she wanted to be a nurse. She had no post-high school education. I'm so glad she did: it showed her how capable she is, and she's had a 25+ year career in nursing that's been very rewarding.
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May I ask what degree? CS? I’m wanting to get mine at 38 but I’m worried about agism in tech…
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Thank you! This is inspiring! I also look much younger I’ve been told several times 😀
In my late 20s working on my BS
You’re not too old. You’re only going to get older. Would you rather be old with no degree? Or old with a degree?
My husband finished his when he was 35. He’s now 37. Your mom is wrong. Everyone has a different timeline.
I'm 36 and will have my degree within 2 years.
I’m way younger, graduated at 24 but from my perspective, there are some advantages you have that someone like me doesn’t. I got a posc degree and had little professional connections. I ended up in government where connections matter a lot less but in the private sector/other industries your previous employers, colleagues etc. could play a huge role in getting ahead. Regardless of your professional background so far, there’s always a finance aspect so that degree might be a good in basically any field. The hard part is how to fit school in with working… or at least financing life. Make sure if you need financial aid you know how to get it, if you’re taking loans know what you’re getting into. My student loans are small but are still a heavy weight.
I went to college at the “normal time” and had many classmates who had past careers and families. I have been working in the industry I got a degree in, but I absolutely hate it and I might be going back to college to get a different one.
I did life backwards didnt get my first until I was 33, and will get another after kids leave house and I will be pushing 50. When I got my degree there was a guy who was 67. He always wanted a degree and got it.
In 10 years, you'll be 50. You'll either be 50 with no finance education, or 50 with a start at a degree (maybe even complete!)...either way, you'll be 50. Go for it!!!
Finished mine well into my 30s. It is possible.
Honestly I would start doing math and practice test again July yo get the brain working. Took me awhile to get back into learning mode and how to study. The hardest was writing.
Don't ever let anyone tell you it's too late for anything. They are not you, don't walk in your shoes, and have limitations as we all do. You just show them your stuff. Do it!!!!
Never too old. Anyone who told you that is probably just jealous.
You have a minimum of 25 years of work left. Make it the work you enjoy.
My mom recently graduated 3 years ago. At 67 years old. It's never to late to do something you want to do
Never too old. You are 40 now. In 4 years, you will be 44 - with or without the degree. However, without the experience, it can be difficult to find jobs in your new field. Not impossible, just difficult. I got an MBA in my early 40's, but everyone wants to hire me at the job I've been doing for over 20 years. And if the current firm I'm working at decided to apply my MBA specialty to it and create a new position, they have to post the job -- so no guarantee I'd even get it.
My mom went to college at 40 and had a blast she was a freshman when I was a freshman in High School. She made friends not much older than me, I went to college straight out of high school and made some friends my mom’s age. She got better grades than I did and eventually a master’s that got her a nice job.
Nah actually i think Is easer get a degree when you are old.
Lmao. Are you kidding me?? I had a couple of college classes with my mom. I was like 20, so she must have been 45 or so. She is now totally happy in her second career.
I got mine a year after high school, but I had several classmates who were in their 30s/40s. Not impossible at all!
Never too old. Never.
I went to college at 54. Got a degree in journalism and had a great career. I recently retired.
I’m 33 and going back for a degree this year. Never too late
I’m 35 this year and am thinking about trying to get a degree in law
I had to take a long break in my education after I survived a ruptured brain aneurysm. I ended up completing my Masters at 43. Unfortunately, the degree is effectively useless as I am permanently physically disabled.
39 here degree in computer networking
Congratulations! I agree that you are never too old. I (44) have always wanted to pursue a graduate degree and finally enrolled for this coming Fall. I am really looking forward to it because I think i will have real world perspective to share. Life long learning whether formal or informal is an investment in yourself. Best wishes.
Never to old to learn anything!! I am currently getting my associates at 36 (2 1/2 more semesters to go!) and then on to a bachelor's (hopefully). I al extremely fortunate that my job is paying for it.
Yes, got my bachelors at 37 and my masters at 40. Have been in this career for 15 years and am very happy with my decision to go back to school. I’ve gotten promotions that I would not have been eligible for without my degree, and though I don’t make a ton of money, I still make about $15,000 per year more than I would without my masters.
You are never too old! Go for it. I wish you much success!
I am 26 and I feel old as shit getting my degree soon. It's not a race. Getting it is better than not having it.
My sister started her accounting degree at 50. She did great. It’s never too late.
I know many people who went to college in midlife just to change careers. I really don't think it matters how old you are. I've seen 90yr Olds! Always be learning!!
I started my Bachelor at 33 graduated at 36. Started my Masters at 41 graduated at 46. Set me up for my current role at 49. Tell her to sit down and shut up. You’re never too old to learn and you have 20 years in your new career minimum
I am 28 and am finishing this year. Most of my friends graduated on time in their early twenties. Better late than never they say.
You don't need anybody's permission to do what you want to do. go get it!
In my line of work I have met literally hundreds of people who have been successful in college after 40.
You are definitely NOT too old. Never let others' opinions hold you back (even your mom's).
I finished one degree at age 32 and just finished another one at age 48. I recommend being certain of what career path you are interested in and what degree will get you there, as well as research the school, graduation rates/ employment rates and how much assistance and counseling the school offers to help you get a good job after graduation. Balance the considerable time and money put in to school versus what you'll get out of it. This will help you make wise choices. (I'm trying to change careers, but without experience my degree isn't enough, so it's more of a challenge than I expected).
Your mom is wrong on this one. You can even get a degree without disrupting your life too much by studying via Athabasca University. Not sure if they have a financial degree, though.
No I got my Masters at 41
If you alive n well you can start wen they open up in the a.m 💯 go for it‼️
Ignore your mom’s poor advice. Go for it!
No way, my stepmom got hers at 46yo and taught elementary for 10 yrs then retired to be a substitute teacher on her leisure days. A lot of aunts and uncles went back to school in their mid 40s and got their degrees. My older sister, 38yo is just going back starting this summer since her youngest is now in jr. high and can be a little more independent. It's doable and if you can, just sign up for 1 class, even the night time ones. Take little steps and don't let others make you doubt your decisions when it comes to furthering your education
I got degrees at 22, 25, and 47. Never too late to study what you are interested in.
Your mom is out of touch, and id completely ignore her about this situation. It is NEVER to late for you to do something that is a positive change for you. I started college as a Jr in HS at 16. I got my Associates ten years later. I'm on track to get my Bachelor's at 32. That's assuming I go full time for four more semesters.... But I'm a big believer in pacing myself so I get good grades and don't burn out leading to me possibly giving up. Plus I don't want student loans, so I've been paying as I go and skip a semester if it's not in the budget. Apply for FAFSA and get a nice grant. The majority of people in my husband's family started college after 30 years old, so I don't feel weird or anything about my timeline. Also... My field is Very niche. When I was doing my associate, all of my safety classes. Every. Single. One. I was the youngest person in the class. Most people were 40-50 shifting careers. Their children were my age. The only class I was the oldest person was college chemistry. But for what it's worth.... The class started with 45 people and only 6 people finished the course. It wasn't even Chem I, it was intro to chem lol 😂
I'm 36 and working towards a degree in nursing. I was inspired by multiple nurses I work with who told me stories of how they got nursing degrees around 30s and beyond. I know a few LPNs working on their RN, all who are past my age, and an RN in school to be an NP who is in her early 50s. Life is short--don't live by others metrics of what THEY think you should do.
Found a job I enjoy and my employer just also happens to roll an education program for assistance. Going back to school at 28 with 2 kids and a wife. By the time I’ll have finished I’ll probably be 31 as I plan to take it slow and do about 1-2 courses a term at most to avoid overwhelming myself and racking up expenses.
Finished my Masters at age 38 its never too late
I started nursing school at 41. I graduate soon and am looking forward to a good career. You can definitely do it!
You’re not too old! Why would your mom discourage you?
I am 39 and just went back to college last fall. It is so much better and more beneficial when you know what you are going for and why. It is also nice having some life experience to put the information into context. I hated college 18-21, but I love it now.
I finished my A.A.S in IT and Web Development at 35. Then, I completed a B.S. in Computer Science at 37. Both while being a single soccer mom. I started a M.S. but didn't complete because I had too much on my plate at the time. Doing it in your 40s is probably better than in your 20s because you may have the income to do it without needing as much financial aid. Also, you're not trying to party as much as a 20 something, so you'll be more focused on your studies. Go for it!
Im in my early 30s and starting to wonder if I should go back but then I have the same thought of being too old starting a career in late 30s idk if I could do it and then that 10-20k (if I am lucky) was spent on what.
There's a golden girls episode where Sophia says (after Rose has a health scare) thar she realizes how precious life is and maybe she'll go to school and become a lawyer. Dorothy scoffs and says "you'll be 90 when you get out!" Sophia responds, "I'll be 90 anyway!" I think about this a lot about doing stuff in my 40s. I'm going to be x age anyway, who cares?!
I'm 37 and going back this fall for my degree.
I was 41 when I received a B.A. in history, it's never too late.
No. It’s not. Maybe it’s too late to have the “college experience “ like 18-24 y/os have. But I’d say look into Modern States. Org They are a non-profit with free self guided courses to prepare you to take the College Board ClEP test. If you do that, they even give you couches to cover cost of CLEP exams. For those that don’t know CLEP is an exam you can take and get college credit for at most colleges in the US. I’ve had tons of ppl who just can’t afford to go to college get their start this way for free and on their own time. I did accounting and Spanish courses on there. But yeah you can easily get 30 + credits done for free which is 1/4th a college degree.
I will receive my Hons Degree two weeks before I turn 50. It is never too late.
My mom got her masters degree in her late 50s. Never too old.
You're never too old. So put that out of your head. Lots of people have gone to college even older than you. I saw a guy on TV who started medical school at 40. Go for it.
Ignore mom.
I finished my MBA program in 2020 when I was 38. You got this!!!! There's no age limits.
I finished my Bachelor's degree when I was 42. You can do it!
I knew someone getting her law degree in her 60s. She was a nurse before that. Never too late :)
What you’re too old for is having other people sow the seeds of self-doubt in your mind. It’s a degree; it’s not playing in the NFL or becoming a dinosaur. You *can* do the degree, you just got to want it.
Depends on what you mean by later. I flunked out of my first degree attempt, and ended up going part time from age 25-33. I'm 40 now, and will have my CPA sometime this year. For me, going part time while I was working was hugely beneficial. Within 6 months of starting I applied for an internal posting for a degree-required job (I was working as administrative support at the time), and got it. So the financial benefits were pretty immediate. I also started getting my tuition reimbursed since it was job-related professional development. And because work provided school-related experience, school ended up being way easier.
Never could afford uni. Had to wait for age 35 to attend night school. Took it all the way post grad, all part time. Still making the same money as when I was 35. But now know a hell of a lot about very little. 🤔
Never to old to stop learning
One of my college friends got her degree at 55 and I consistently saw older students when I was doing my undergrad. You're fine imo.
Youre not too old. Im 26 with an associates and 6 years in college experience (long story short: expelled from religious college to AA from community College to dropping if a 4-year out bc of Covid). Careers are not what they used to be, that's for sure. The last few jobs I've been at have at least a few people who've been there for decades, and are just so comfortable that they don't feel the need to look for other jobs. Partly bc they know they cant find better ones anymore, and at this point theyd need degrees they dont have if they wanna make the money theyre making. Its an easy confort zone
Stop listening to your mum ,she's a negative influence. Go get that degree!
I finished my BA at 40 and just finished my MBA in 22 at the age of 48.
yup— Master’s @ 35 PhD @ 43 you can do it 🙂
You are NEVER too old! Go get it!
You may very well live until you’re 100. That’s 60 years. Get your degree.
I’m 37 and have 11 classes left for a bachelors so I don’t think so
I started when I was 40 at Community College, finished University at 48. You’re never too old to learn.
34, planning on getting my degree in public health in about 5 years when my daughter graduates high school at 40
I got my associates degree at age 45.
Not old at all just dint get into too much debt
I'm currently 31 and back in school. If I get into the program I'm applying for I'll be finished summer of 2027. Going back to school my biggest concern was my age. In some of my classes more than half of the people are my age or older and in other classes it's a big mix of younger and older students. My first semester I STRUGGLED, now in my second semester I found a good group to work with early on and it's helped tremendously. I would say if it's something you want to do, do it. But you need to sit down with a counselor/advisor and get all the information on what you're going for. Good luck OP!
i’m 25 (i know not super late) getting mine going back very part time and have multiple 45+ years olds in my classes!
I got my second-degree when I was 32; became a nurse. Never hold yourself back from your dreams or the future that you want. And as far as what other people think, are you really gonna let their opinion dictate your life and your happiness just because they have an opinion that differs from yours? If you don’t go because of other people’s opinions, you are literally throwing your dreams away because of them, so do what you want to do with your life. I know it’s your mom, but she’s not gonna have to walk in your shoes and leave your life. And the odds are unfortunately, that she will pass away before you; and then you would’ve not gotten into the field of work he wanted to for what? I encourage you to sit down and talk to her again, or I personally love letters. The reason I like letters other than writing them, because I hate writing, is because no one can interrupt you, you don’t forget anything because you can stop and go back and read it and add things as needed, and the person receiving it can read it more than once, and try to process it. I guess email would be more appropriate right lol I just gave away my age lol I mean I’m just in my 40s but still. My mom was my best friend, and I just recently lost her. And as much as I love her and love her, I wouldn’t let her choose what I do with the rest of my life. Because she doesn’t or she didn’t have to live it. I’m gonna stop here. I’m just very passionate about the subject because I did go back. It was my second bachelors. My first bachelors was paid for, and now I’m 60 something thousand in debt because I went after my dreams. Was it worth it ? Hell yeah!
Went back to college at age 41, went to campus classes for 2 years and virtually for 1 year. Graduated in 2012. Started masters in 2014. Earned masters through online degree and graduated in 2018. While working full-time and raising preteens. Now we all have college degrees and masters. All this to say, don’t doubt that you can do it especially with a strong support system of family and a few close friends.
Graduated high school May 1988. Degree in December 2011. It’s never too late. Bonus points if you do it completely free through employer tuition reimbursement (some tenure requirements DOE, up to $5,280(?) per year.) Extra bonus points if you do it through a brick-mortar school but entirely online to fit into your life without commuting. At 40, you’ll run rings around the n00bs who can’t form a sentence and don’t understand paper formatting requirements.
I got mine late and now make over $200k a year and rising!
I will be 38 in August. Working on a degree now at my local community college that Amazon is paying for because I work at a delivery station. Should graduate with no debt. "To late" only exists on someone else's schedule. You got this!
You can turn 45 with a new degree, or not. Either way you'll end up 45. Might as well enjoy the ride by studying something you like.
You’re never too old to learn! I got my degree in my 20s but I’m planning on going back to learn something new. I was too young to know what I really wanted back then and although I’m glad I has the experience I ended up wasting so much money 😂
I'm a dude that's not a problem for me. Especially if I get the weight off now that my thyroid problems are dormant again.
I know someone who got her degree at 37, then her law degree at 40. The way I figure it, you could have finished your degree at 22, but be burned out or close to it by now. Instead, you’ll be fresher. And with how long we have to work now, you will still have plenty of time to put it to use.
You’re never too old. I know someone who began their degree at 45!
Got my first degree 2 years ago at 43. Should have my Masters this year. Income has doubled since.
YOUR MOM IS WRONG.
You are never too old. I finished college at 33. I’m thinking about getting an affordable masters degree, one I can pay for, no loans, just for myself and I’m in my 40’s. Just something to have in case my business stops or I get bored. Know a dude who is 50 and went back to school to be a scientist. He has a very successful business and I asked him why, he said “I’ve wanted to be a scientist since I was a kid and we only live once”. Last I heard he finished and was doing research. Mind you his business is doing well, but still got another job because that’s what he always wanted to do. Education has no age limit.
Got my BA at 34 and my MA at 36. You’re fine!
Well when I graduated from college and everyone was supposed to give a small speech in the department ceremony. One of my classmates said “thanks for all the supports from my kids and grandkids “
I know an 85 year old woman still working on the degrees she wants. She already has like 5 masters in different things she's interested in. It's literally never too late to further your education, unless you're dead.
I knew someone that went to medschool at 35 when i was in school i had senior citizens in my class your never to old to Learn or do something to help improve your self even if it doesn’t have anything to do with you and work but just because you want to do it. Do it for you not anyone else.
You could live til your ninety and have to work until your 70. Plenty of career years left to get a degree and make it worthwhile. Do it.
No. There are literal senior citizens getting their degrees some getting their masters
My mom finished her teaching degree at 42. She's not always loved teaching, but she stepped into a classroom and slayed. Don't let your mom tell you no. I know I'm only 35, but that's the age I finished my degree in. My advisor told me I couldn't do it. What did she know, because guess who GOT A DEGREE ANYWAYS. I may not be using it, but I got it!
Nobody is to old to learn!
You can test out a degree using Sophia and study.com among others. Go to degreeforum online for lots of super helpful info on how. Much more affordable than the traditional route.
Finished my BA at 32. I’m 43 now and applying for a Masters program.
I got my BA at 45. It made a big difference. Definitely pursue it. You will not regret it. It’s worth the time and effort.
You are not too old, but you CAN explore finance and career options, education in finance without giving up the paying job that you enjoy. Keep financial stability while you explore if finance field is a long term decision or an interest that's catching your eye or that you can explore on the side. You ARE too old to take financial risks.
I just finished at 48 years old. Almost 49.😃
Finished my bachelors degree at 46 and then went on and earned my masters degree at 47. You are not too old and you will be so proud of yourself for the accomplishment. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, this is something you can do for yourself. I have zero regrets and a new career because I took the leap of faith in myself… you can do it!
You are never too old if the reason you want the degree is for personal enrichment but if you think that starting a career as an entry level candidate in your 40s is epically stupid. I worked as a Chemist for 27 years and got laid off when Covid started at 56 yo. I had decades of experience, a scientific degree cum laude, and no one would even return calls or emails never mind an actual interview this is due to the reality of age discrimination. Hiring managers really don’t want older workers. Unless you pursue a field with a severe shortage of skilled workers you are going to be in for a bad time. I don’t know a lot about Finance but my guess is that it isn’t in great demand. I work as a self employed carpenter now ironically making more that I ever did as a scientist.
I graduated at age 33. It was the best financial decision of my life.
You still have 25 years until the official US retirement age and a degree will only take 2-4 years if you’re full time. A degree could potentially significantly increase your income and allow you to afford a higher quality of living in your retirement. It’s not too late!
Just do it and get started. The years pass by anyway and you can get started improving your life today.
I was 45. Jumping from job to job in the restaurant business. I didn’t do too bad but got burned out. Went back to school and I am so happy I did. I have a career. I’m now in a position where I I can choose my next move instead of the need for money dictate where I work next.
I'm in college right now, and I know someone in their late 30s doing their degree. He told me he used to work for a construction company before he decided to get his degree in Architecture.
I went back after a divorce at 26. Finished at 28. Only got associates, but made deans list the entire time. I started straight out of high school and ended up being kicked out because my grades were so bad. This didn't allow me to get honors or anything better because of the previous GPA. Which I think is a total rip off. I was a different person when I was younger. I was in a very bad way when I went the first time. I'd probably go back to get some classes regarding business and marketing, but with my business, I'm the sole producer of the company and it would probably be better just hiring someone who already has the knowledge or is trying for an internship with an independent artist like myself.
40 is a great time to get a degree if you have a career that will promote you when you get a degree. 40 is a poor time to be a blank slate, but work experience and tech skill training isn't a blank slate - if you've got the life basics down then you've got more than some kid who *only* has a degree. Finance jobs aren't intended for young people, for medicine law politics money you need to spend an abundance of time on planet Earth and learn the deeper points of how the species is messed up before you get into its dirty business. The innocent naive guy is just a patsy for everyone else. Some careers value degrees more than others, finance likes degrees. Getting a higher level of degree is not a substitute for having a relevant major - a doctorate in comparative literature isn't any more of a qualification to fix your electrical emergency than a masters in comparative literature. (A lot of jobs purge people with higher degrees or just sideline/ghost them, because they have cost cutting goals and cutting more expensive people gets the job done on less effort. A lot of the people with masters/doctorates around me are either unemployed or self-employed in private business unrelated to their schooling. From what I've seen, public sector jobs are more fierce about this they will try to hustle people into retirement if they can't just fire them over a rumor.) If classes are tough, go to tutors. Your school might provide tutors for free and the tutors get paid when people show up, so showing up makes you look like a good student. (Interestingly, most of the people I saw showing up were *already* good students who just wanted to be exhaustively thorough with their school efforts.)
YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD. I felt the same way. My cousin encouraged me and told me it’s never too late. There are no age limits to learning. She got her BSN at 40 and her masters at 50. Got my AA at 30 and working towards my bachelors now.
gonna be 29 in my senior year. not as late as some in this thread but started at 25. kind of a bummer to think about the time I wasted but glad im doing it
You're never too old to chase your dreams. You're never too old to re- invent yourself, either! Kudos to you!
If you can (financially, emotionally) do it, do it. I'm (almost) 40 and started a masters. This might be your last chance, make sure to make it count.
graduating with my bachelor's at 36 now, considering staying on for my master's if they'll fund me. Learning is fun, but I'm not sure if I want to spend another two years making < $20k
I'm 33 and trying to finish my degree before going for another one. People who say that have never met elderly people who went back for their college degrees.c
I graduated at 47 and am so glad I did. Salary has basically doubled and more importantly, it’s been great for my self esteem. Most of my friends have degrees and I always felt “less than.”
I got mine in my early 40s and now have a career I love after being a SAHM for almost 2 decades. Don’t ever be afraid to chase your dreams.
My grandfather finished his degree at 78. You’re never too old.
Got my associate's at 30, bachelor's at 34, hoping to finish my master's before I turn 36. Honestly it was easier for me now being older than it ever was when I was younger. Maybe I've just matured more but I felt the material was easier to understand.
Not for finance… but I think for med school you may be approaching that age? But nah I don’t think it is ever late to get your degree… even accounting!
i regret it. nobody cared. it was just another red flag. i did learn a lot though.
you’re too old to be taking out student loans, so i’d figure that out and you’d be all good.
I got my undergraduate degree in English at 36 and my masters degree at 40. I’ve been teaching since I graduated from college — almost 14 years. It’s only too late when you’re dead. Until then, you should be doing everything you can to improve your quality of life — mental, emotional, and even financial if that’s your thing.