Can a 70 Year Old Go to College?

If you are 70 years old, you may think you've missed the boat when it comes to college.

Nevertheless, you have a desire to learn and are wondering if it's too late to go back to school.

College doesn't have age limits, and it's okay to go back to school at any age, even 70. There may be many good reasons for getting your degree or taking classes as an older adult.

Keep reading as we dive into this topic.

Is 70 Too Late to Start College?

You've probably heard that age is just a number. While this may sound like a trite cliche, it's true when it comes to education.

People never stop learning; thus, it's never too late to further your education.

Even if you are 70 years old, or older, you can go back to school.

Many colleges and states offer reduced tuition rates or scholarships specifically for senior citizens.

You may even be able to attend classes tuition-free.

A person in their 70s has a lot of life experience and can add great value to classroom discussions and assignments.

Their leadership abilities and unique perspectives can have a positive effect on much younger classmates.

Because schools are interested in keeping their classrooms diverse, having older students can be seen as a benefit in this regard.

So, just because you're older than the average college student doesn't mean you should give up on your educational or professional dreams.

You are not too old to go to college.

Why Do Some People Go to College at 70?

Maybe you're still asking yourself: Why do I want to go to college? What's my motivation?

There are many good reasons to return to school. Here are some of those reasons.

To Have Something to Do

If you're retired, you may find that your days are monotonous and boring.

You may be thinking about going to college classes to break up the monotony and have something to do.

Taking college classes is a great way to add daily activities back to your life, interact with others, and keep your mind sharp as you age.

To Pursue an Interest

Perhaps you have a particular interest in something: you want to study music, learn more about history, or sharpen your math skills.

Whatever the interest may be, you can probably find a college class to teach you about it.

Maybe you have a wide range of interests and want to take a variety of college classes.

You may even want to pursue a degree to advance your knowledge in a field that interests you.

These are all great reasons to go back to college as a senior.

To Seek Personal Fulfillment

If you weren't able to start or finish college when you were younger, but have always dreamed of getting your degree, you may go back to school to attain personal goals and seek fulfillment.

Whether you're the first one in your family to go to college or you simply want to show yourself you can do it, getting a degree at 70 is an inspiring way to show that you're never too old to chase your dreams.

To Seek Job Security or Advancement

Maybe you're still going strong in your career at age 70 and want to advance.

Or, perhaps you want to continue working but you're afraid you might be replaced by younger, more qualified candidates.

Getting a college degree can help you pursue advancements and higher pay regardless of your age.

It can also make you a more desirable job candidate, helping you take steps to protect yourself against the possibility of layoffs.

To Change Careers

Though many people are enjoying retirement by the age of 70, many others love working.

If you're not satisfied with your current job or are looking to come out of retirement, you may be interested in trying something new.

Many jobs require or prefer candidates holding a degree.

Getting your degree is important to pursue these positions, especially if you are an older adult trying to stand out from the crowd of younger job candidates.

Will a 70-Year-Old College Graduate Find a Job?

Getting a college degree isn't a guarantee of getting a job at any age.

That said, if you're in your 70s, you will likely face some extra challenges.

It is illegal to discriminate against age in the workplace, but the reality is that employers are more likely to hire candidates younger than 70.

Younger job candidates offer longevity, energy, and the ability to be shaped and molded to a company's ideals and operations.

Older candidates are near the end of their working life and, stereotypically, may work slower and be more set in their ways.

So, as an older college graduate, you will be at a disadvantage. But you can get a new job at your age.

You may have to do some extra work to convince prospective employers that you're the right one for the job.

This will involve seeking out employers known for their diversity and keeping an open mind.

It's also a good idea to network with others in your career field, as getting a new job at any age often comes down to who you know.

Finally, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and work experience.

You have a lot of experience under your belt by now, and that experience can be beneficial even if you are hoping to land a job in a new field.

Let employers know you're interested and show them why you think you're a good fit for the job.

Be confident and don't sell yourself short. If you put in the work, your chances of getting a new job at 70 will go up.

Consider Starting College Today

You're not too old to go to college and get a degree at 70. You may want to make some changes or advance a career, as well as for a variety of personal reasons.

If so, what are you waiting for? There's no time like right now to go back to school and pursue your goals.