Pursuing Higher Education Later in Life

The Sex Lives of College Girls follows a group of 18 year olds discovering themselves through first love, first heartbreak, and the many, many mistakes that all young people make. The show features college as a life stage, where 18-22 year olds have parties and form friendships and romances. 

There are many reasons your college experience may not look like that. One of them could be the age you enroll in college at. Starting higher education in your 20s, 30s, or even older may seem difficult or unusual, but it’s neither, and a degree can be beneficial regardless of your age.

Not going to college straight out of high school means you get to do something else out of high school: get a job. Getting money can broaden your options for college while decreasing debt, and some jobs will even pay for their employees to go back to school. The military pays complete tuition and rent to veterans, and some employers offer flexibility so you can work and learn. Gaining skills like time management, hard work, and concentration can also make college easier and more enjoyable.

The biggest benefit comes from knowing what you want to pursue in your life. After trying a few jobs, you can figure out what you love or hate. The Washington Post reported only a quarter of college graduates have a degree related to their major, which makes sense. Many undergraduate students have never held a full time job, much less one in their chosen field. Experience in the workplace is a better (and cheaper) way to explore a career path.

Education Data Initiative estimated that 32.8% of college students in the US will be over the age of 25 this year. The University of Michigan at Flint is made up of 30% older students, and some schools even have a majority of people over 25. 

With so many people returning to school later in life, colleges and universities are well aware of how to help them the most. Some offer dorms specifically for older students while others waive any on-campus living requirements, so you don’t have to worry about living with a teenager. Online and asynchronous classes can make it easier to learn around jobs, children, or other commitments.