Why do people make fun of older college students?

Question

On the internet, I found a list of "types" of people you meet at college, and among them was one called the "A Little Too Old To Be Here Type". It basically made fun of them by saying they live with their parents (I don't) and can't find friends their age.
Honestly, is this how "traditional age" college students view older students?
Background on me: I'm 30, attend classes at night, work full time.
last time I checked, there was no rule in any college saying: "you have to be 18-22 to be enrolled"

Answer 1

They are probably thinking that college is something no one should return or start late. If you passed it, move one. If you missed it, leave it. Too bad they are dead wrong.

Answer 2

It doesn't sound like the authors of this stereotype have you in mind. I can only guess that this was written by a minority of small-minded undergrads who are intimidated by the idea of attending school with people who aren't living lives very similar to their own. Or that the author of this stereotype has in mind a "hanger-on"--a 20-something who takes some classes here and there, but isn't really focussed or motivated , attends frat parties, hits on 18-year-olds, etc. I suppose that a few students like this exist, but that's certainly not a normal profile of the average returning student.

For my own part, as a university professor I can say that some of my best, most motivated, and interesting students have been the returning ones. I've heard this from other faculty members as well. Returning students are on the whole more mature, have a greater sense of responsibility for themselves and their educations, and tend to be eager and highly motivated. What more could an instructor want? The kids don't always appreciate the amazing opportunity being given them to think and develop their ideas. Don't let this small-minded stereotype get in your way.

Answer 3

My mother (48) recently began attending college and has had the same experience. I graduated college last year with a 3.9 GPA and can tell you that the "old" students in my class were generally the most responsible and best prepared for class. I think that this intimidated a lot of the other students and made their efforts look relatively worse. In addition, some "old" students occasionally think they know more than other students or even the professor which also can contribute to the problem. Of course, this happens with "young" students as well. You should be commended for returning to school. Good luck and don't worry about the critics.

Answer 4

I can relate. I'm 32 and I'm starting work on a second undergraduate degree. Things happen in life (kids, marriage,divorce, not really knowing what you want..etc.) that sometimes get between you and your degree. I always knew that I wanted a degree, even several, so that never kept me out of school despite the fact that I was 10 or even 12 years older than my counterparts. I was fortunate to start my courses where most of the student body comprised a non-traditional age. However, my new school is full of traditional students, who can't seem to stop whining that their iPod skips during lectures or that daddy will stop paying for rent once the kid finally graduates. I don't fit in here in that sense, but I don't really care either. Most of these "kids" are just that, kids. They had some help (fiscally, emotionally) to get the job done earlier. I didn't. And so here we are, making due with what we got.

Answer 5

I don't know, when I was in college, yes, I started at 18, we kind of made fun of the older students. Maybe not really making fun of them, but for the most part we didn't like them. Now that I'm older and I look back I realize how silly that was. I think when you are young you think that life is only for the young, you don't realize that hopes and dreams are something that people have throughout their whole lives. I'm in my 30's now, I have a friend in her 20's, she went to take her GED test and came back talking about all of the old people who were there getting their GED's and how ridiculous it seemed. I asked her how old these "old" people were, she said about 30 years old. I couldn't believe she thought that was old. I don't think I was ever that bad with how I thought about people, the students that we considered older when I was there were in their 40's and 50's.
P.S.- Kudos to you for going to college, it's not easy to work full time and take classes, I struggled working part-time while taking classes. If anyone makes fun of you, ignore them and take pride in yourself and what you are accomplishing.

Answer 6

There's no law saying that you have to be 18-22 to be in college! I'm 25 and about to go for my 2nd degree! There are many reasons why older people couldn't go to college when they were younger. People have no right to make fun of someone who wants an education! I applaud you for working full time and going to college! Don't take what that list said personally.

Answer 7

At Franklin University, the average age of students is 30+. They're there to get a degree, not to make friends.
I went back for my Master's at age 55. Of course, I was older than most of the profs, but it was truly a learning experience.

I'm an adjunct now, and I prefer working with older students. They are more focussed, have more experience to work with, and add a lot more to the class dynamics.

Ignore the idiots.

Answer 8

I don't know, it seems absurd, but I was afraid to go back to study because I am older and I am not 30 but between 40 and death lol
Anyway, I went back to do my Masters and I am now almost finishing. Yes I am the oldest one, but I am having a lot of fun, learning a lot and, I am looking for getting my Phd.

I would love that less people felt afraid to go back to school because of their age. There is never too old to do anything in this life, to old is just death.

Don't worry about your age, EVERYBODY will be your age in a split of a second ;-)

Answer 9

I am a 30 year old single mom and I am getting ready to go back to college. I am going so I can have a decent job and provide a better life for my boys. I don't care if anyone thinks that I am too old. I am not doing it for anyone but me and my family.If someone else has a problem with it, tough. Good luck to you. I think what you are doing is great!

Answer 10

we only made fun of the older people who acted like know it alls and kissed the teacher's ***. That always drove me crazy in college. there was always one girl or guy 35-50 who would answer every question the teacher asked no matter if they knew the answer or not. It seemed like they just liked listening to the sound of their own voice.