How old is too old to go back to college?

Answer 1

I would say that after 25, you're too old.


Just kidding

Seriously, I spent 30+ years as a biochemistry professor, and in my last year of teaching (1997), I walked into class one day, and there was an elderly woman. After class we started talking, she was 76, had watched a show on PBS a few years earlier and was taking courses in biology and biochemistry because it was very interesting to her.

At the end of the year, I told her she was going to outlast me

and for the record, she had a B.

Far and away my oldest student.

Early on in my career in the late 60s, I had a graduate student from India, He was 53 (I was 34 at the time). I think I learned more from him then he learned from me.

Answer 2

Never too old!!!!

There are lots of cases of people in their 70s or even 80s starting and GRADUATING from college.

Some courses you would be at a disadvantage because we dont think as fast as we did 50 years ago. But some courses you have a huge advantage... Like, say you take Modern History -- you would actually know who Eisenhower and Kennedy were. A kid who's just entering school now is probably clueless... remember the Vietnam war ended 20 years before he was born!

Go for it!

Answer 3

Here are two stories that tell that you are never too old to go back to college!! Good Luck to you!!
Enjoy the stories. I attached the links below for the full stories of each.
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80-year-old fulfills college dream

Joel Brown, 80, shows off his 2006 class ring from the University of Alabama.

Joel Brown promised his father he would earn a college degree.

Nearly 62 years later, at the age of 80, he is making good on his pledge.

Brown is graduating today from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in administrative services -- and a 3.95 grade point average. He will be cheered on by his wife of 41 years, Barbara, their five children and several grandchildren.

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90 Year Old Graduate Makes History

When the dean called for graduates to take the stage, graduation history was made. Laura Thresher Johnston, a fiery 90 year old, became the oldest person to receive a master's degree from Sam Houston State University.

Answer 4

Never too old. Some years back, I was a sophomore in college and met an old lady at a local swimming pool who was 63 at the time and a junior at the local university (where I got my college degree later). She said that senior citizens were given FREE tuition when they enrolled.

One elderly woman got her bachelor's in political science but suffered from cancer so they graduated her in April; she died a month later.

My aunt is 40something; she went back to school and got her bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology. She is now a counselor.

You are NEVER TOO OLD to go back to school! Even as a college 20something, I've seen people my own age as well as military wives, housewives, single moms, the elderly, people wanting a change in careers, etc. in my classes at one time or another.

If you want to do it, then GO OUT AND DO IT, girlfriend! If you don't have the $$, get financial aid.

Answer 5

I'd say never, except that everyone is different, and though a 50 year old may be fit enough to go and walk all the walking and study the long hours, can they handle it emotionally?

Also, someone that is 60 or older, may not be able to handle the stress, I'm guessing here, but in general, anyone should go when ever they want, period, but should take a practical look at things first.

Answer 6

This may or may not be related to age, but if you get to the point where you are convinced you already know everything and you aren't open to learning any more (that can happen at 18 or at 108), you are too old to go back to college.

Answer 7

i really dont think any body is too old to go back to college, i went for my MA and there was an old lady there we will say about 67+, and she was just the cuteist thing ever, she had a little but of a hard time with the schooling and needed a lot of tutoring but she made it, and on graduation day she was soooooo proud, it made me want to cry!

Answer 8

You're never too old to go back to college. I know of a teacher who retired and got bored so they got their doctorate.

Answer 9

You are never too old to continue your learning and education. I know people in their seventies and eighties who are attending college, because circumstances in their younger lives, prevented them from finishing college at that time. If you want to further your education, go for it!

Answer 10

You are NEVER too old to do anything unless you're physically unfit. I mean..come on..if 70 year olds can go skiing on the mountains then why can't you go to college? Lol...have fun...join a college...and remember...knowledge is PRICELESS!