5 Tips for Starting College at 25, 30, and Beyond

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Are you considering starting college now, perhaps after the age of 25 or 30? You may wonder if it's too late to pursue a degree or if balancing your studies with other commitments is feasible. The good news is that not only is it possible to start college as an older adult, but it's also increasingly common.

It's a misconception that most first-year college students are 18. In reality, many colleges serve older learners and other types of nontraditional students. In fall 2021, just over 6 million students — or about one-third of all enrolled college students — were age 25 or older, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

We'll discuss the benefits of starting college later in life and offer key tips for success. Whether you're looking to advance your career, pursue a personal interest, or achieve a lifelong goal, it's never too late to further your education.

Starting College at 25, 30, or Later: 5 Key Tips

With the right mindset and preparation, older learners and working professionals can thrive in college. Below, we provide five tips for starting college at 25, in your 30s, and beyond.

1. Establish a Clear Goal

Before you embark on your college journey, it's crucial to define what you hope to achieve.

Having a clear goal in mind can serve as a strong motivational base that will help you overcome any obstacles you encounter along the way. Not only does this involve identifying your strengths and interests but also understanding what you truly desire from your academic journey.

Remember, your goals should be realistic, specific, and aligned with your strengths and ambitions.

2. Leverage Your Real-World Experience

As an adult learner, your real-world experiences can enhance your academic journey.Older adult students can offset the cost of tuition by continuing to work while they study. But work experience can do more than just benefit your wallet.

Prior professional experience in the real world may equip you with hands-on skills that give you a leg up in the classroom. And, your work and life experiences might even be worth college credit.

3. Set Realistic Expectations for Yourself

Make sure you set reasonable expectations when you start college. At 25 or 30, it may take time to build connections with younger peers. You may also need to adjust your routine to incorporate studying, projects, exams, and assignments.

Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to adapt. Don't be afraid to rely on your community — family, friends, and coworkers — while you embark on this new educational journey.

4. Take Advantage of Student Support Services

Most colleges offer a suite of student support services designed to help learners thrive academically, socially, and professionally. You may be able to take advantage of resources like financial aid advisors, academic advisors, tutoring, technical support, on-campus childcare centers, and writing and career centers.

This support may prove especially important and helpful for learners juggling professional and family commitments with their college courses. These services are available for your use, so do your best to make the most of them.

5. Find a Program That Works With Your Schedule

Flexibility is key as an older student, especially if you have children or plan to work part time or full time while studying.

Online programs may be an especially good fit, especially those that deliver all coursework asynchronously without set class times. Many of these programs are designed with working professionals in mind and only accept applicants with multiple years of work experience.

Living on Campus as an Older Student

While many institutions do permit older students to reside in dorms, those over 25 may prefer alternatives depending on their lifestyle and housing needs.If dormitory living isn't for you, you can enjoy more freedom in off-campus housing, arranged with the help of your college's housing department.Some colleges, like the University of Wisconsin and the University of Massachusetts, provide specialized accommodation for older students, including family residences for those who are married or in graduate programs.

Be sure to connect with your potential college's residential life department to get a clear picture of their policies and facilities for older students.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 7, 2024.