Should I Go Back to College at 63? It's Never Too Late

Interested in starting or going back to college, but afraid you may be too old? At age 63, you may be wondering, 'Haven't I missed my opportunity?'

The good news is, you're never too old to start college. Whether you're 63 or beyond, you can still go back to school and benefit from exploring new academic opportunities.

Read on to learn more.

Are You Too Old to Start College at 63?

If you're worried about starting college at this stage of your life, you may be thinking you'll be the only one your age in school.

Perhaps you're afraid your younger classmates will belittle or make fun of you.

The truth is, it's not all that uncommon to see students of all ages in a college class these days.

Though the majority of students are still in their late teens and early twenties, a growing percentage of older adults are also returning to school.

Most college degree programs are filled with a good blend of students in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

Students in their 50s and 60s are also becoming more common, and you may even find that some of your classmates are in their 70s or older.

You're never too old to learn new things, so you're never too old to go to college.

Many schools enjoy having the unique perspectives and experiences of older students in their classrooms.

So, if you're wanting to go to school, don't let your age stand in your way. 63 is not too old to go to college.

Why Do People Decide to Go to College in their 60s?

Curious to find out why other people your age may be going back to school?

Read on for some of the top reasons why older adults return to the classroom.

Maybe you'll be able to relate to one or more of these reasons yourself.

To Learn Something New

You can learn about almost anything in college, and older adults often choose to take classes or enter degree programs on subjects that interest them.

Whether you've always wanted to learn more about music theory or have a deep and abiding interest in a particular brand of science, going to college is a great way to stretch your mind and learn something new.

To Advance Your Career

If you're still working and loving your job, you may be more interested in advancing your career than retiring.

Getting a college degree can qualify you for promotions you might not otherwise be able to pursue.

What's more, getting a degree often leads to a pay increase and can make you a more desirable job candidate if you decide to move to a new company.

To Change Careers

Perhaps you want to continue working, but you're not happy with your current career.

Or, maybe you want to try a new job or pursue a career that's always fascinated you.

Since many careers require a degree, going back to college is a natural and often necessary step in your journey.

To Challenge Yourself

Do you enjoy a good challenge? Get a thrill from setting goals and accomplishing them?

What better way to challenge yourself than to pursue a college degree?

College-level classes are not easy.

If you like to work hard and feel satisfied in conquering any challenges that come your way, then going back to school is a great way to do this.

To Keep Busy

If you're retired or working fewer hours than you used to, then you may find yourself getting bored or looking for activities to fill your days.

Taking college courses can not only relieve boredom and satisfy your sense of curiosity about the world, they can also provide structure and opportunities to interact with people.

Will a 63-Year-Old College Graduate Find a Job?

Maybe you're still wondering if going back to college is worth it at this point in your life.

It's expensive and requires a lot of time and effort; what if it doesn't ultimately pay off?

Particularly if you're worried about finding a new job at the age of 63, your concerns are valid.

Employers aren't supposed to discriminate based on age, but most jobs still go to candidates who are younger than you.

That said, it's not impossible to find a new job in your 60s.

There are companies out there who care about keeping a diverse workplace and will see value in the years of work and life experience you bring to the table.

Your job is to find those employers and convince them that you're the best one for the role.

Network with professionals in your chosen line of work, as they can often help you find jobs and put in a good word for you.

Tailor your resume to highlight professional accomplishments and any transferable skills you may have.

You may even want to create a video or website to introduce yourself to employers and give yourself the best chance of landing the interview.

With a whole lot of work and a little bit of luck, your efforts should eventually pay off.

Consider Starting College Today

You're not too old to go to college at 63, especially if you want to change or advance your career or fulfill personal goals or achievements.

Consider going back to school or starting a new degree program today.