Am I Too Old for an MBA? Earning an MBA after 40, 50 & Beyond

Are you looking to develop your skills and advance your career in the business world?

If you're an older student, you may wonder if you've already missed your opportunity.

Specifically, you're wondering if you're too old to return to school and get an MBA. Of course not.

You have other questions, such as 'What is the average age of this type of program?' or 'Are older MBA students able to find a job after graduating?'

Read on as we explore the answers to these and other questions.

How Old Are Most MBA Students?

Master of Business Administration, or MBA, programs are designed for students who hold at least a bachelor's degree.

Most students also have at least a few years of work experience.

Since the majority of students graduate with a bachelor's degree in their early 20s, those entering MBA programs are often in their upper 20s.

According to Vanderbilt University and other sources, most of the top MBA programs in the country have an average student age of 28.

However, keep in mind that this is only an average. Most programs have a diverse blend of both younger and older students.

How Old Is Too Old for an MBA?

If you are significantly older than 28, you may still be wondering if you're too old for an MBA program. How old is too old to get your MBA?

The short answer is that there is no such thing as too old. You can decide to pursue your MBA at any age if it makes personal and professional sense to do so.

That said, older applicants may have to do some extra work to get accepted into the program of their choice, especially those who pursue traditional, full-time programs.

These programs are generally geared toward younger applicants because they have a better chance of getting a job and receiving a larger pay raise after graduation.

However, most schools are also interested in having a diverse student population, and this includes diversity in age.

Regardless of your age, your job as an applicant to an MBA program is to convince recruiters of why you would be a good fit for the program.

Older applicants often have a better idea of their career goals and can draw on past work experience, showing off any recognition they've received or skills they've developed.

Presenting themselves confidently and highlighting professional achievements can go a long way in helping you get accepted as an older MBA student.

Are There Age Limits for MBA Programs?

MBA programs do not have age limits, as colleges and universities do not discriminate based on age.

Though schools generally enroll more younger students than older students, this is likely because they have a greater number of young applicants.

As noted, some schools may also prefer younger applicants because, statistically, they have more promising career prospects.

However, statistics alone will not determine whether you get accepted into an MBA program.

Again, it's more important to demonstrate how your skills and qualifications make you a good fit for the program.

It's also worth noting that some types of MBA programs, such as executive MBAs and part-time MBAs, are specifically designed to meet the needs of older working students.

These programs will usually have an older average age because most of their students are busy working professionals who have established careers and much more work experience.

Will Older MBA Graduates Get Jobs?

Generally speaking, most older MBA graduates already have jobs. They often pursue an MBA to advance in their current position or to seek a promotion within their current company.

That said, if you're an older MBA graduate looking to change careers or find a top position at a new company, then you can land a good job.

As with applying for an MBA program, older job candidates may have to work a little harder to convince a company that they are a good fit.

That said, older applicants bring a lot of experience to the table that younger applicants do not.

They may have developed their soft skills, such as leadership abilities, through their previous work experience.

What's more, obtaining an MBA at any age shows a dedication to your work, and older job candidates likely have a stronger grasp on their career goals.

If these goals align with the mission and goals of the company you are applying with, then you have a good chance of landing the job regardless of your age.

Should You Pursue an MBA?

Now we come to a key question: should you pursue an MBA? Does doing so make sense for you personally and professionally?

That is a question only you can answer. But understanding your goals, both at work and in other areas of your life, can help you with making that decision.

Many older students choose to get their MBA for personal reasons: to develop their skills, or to pursue a pay increase so they can afford to spend more time with family.

Others want to pursue a new or advanced career path or seek a promotion that requires holding an MBA.

If you're not sure exactly why you want to pursue an MBA, it's a good idea to try and identify the reason. Spend some time thinking about what's most important to you.

Once you identify your personal and professional goals, you will not only be more equipped to keep your focus on those goals; but you will also have an easier time finding the right MBA program for you, than convincing schools and employers alike to accept your application.

Start Your MBA Program Today

You're never too old to start an MBA program. Before enrolling, however, make sure you know why you want to get your MBA and try to have a firm grasp on both your personal and professional goals.