Is 28 Years Old Too Old To Start College?

When people think of the average college student, they probably think of someone who's 20 and halfway through their degree program.

But is that always the case?

If most people think 20 is the average age of a college student, as statistics from New America show, does that mean 28 is too old for college?

Not necessarily — contrary to New America's poll, the reality is that the average college student is at least 26.

If you start college at 28, you'll likely fit right in.

Find out more about the best time to start college, as well as the benefits and consequences of starting college at 28, below.

Finding the Best Time to Go to College for You

While college is normally something that older teens and 20-year-olds consider, the best time to start college varies by person.

Some people who might have wanted to be students early on might have faced challenges and obstacles that prevented them from attending until they'd established a career, for example.

So, while we're going to go over the average age of a college student, remember that doing what's best for you is more important than meeting the average standard in your area.

How Old is the Average College Student?

As stated previously, a poll from New America found that over 60% of Americans believed that the average college student is 20, while in reality, the average student is 26.

So what does this mean for someone who thinks 28 is too old to start college?

It means that you aren't very far off the average, and you certainly won't be the oldest person in your class.

In addition, as many as 25% of people who earn a bachelor's degree take more than four years to complete it, according to the Education Data Initiative, so there's a chance you'll graduate at the same age as students who started their college education earlier.

What Are the Benefits of Starting College Later Than Average?

Here are a few of the top benefits of starting college later in life:

• Savings: By working before going to college, you were likely able to save more money and establish your tax history to earn more financial aid when you apply for college in your late 20s.
• Learning: With more experience as an adult under your belt, you're more likely to know at 28 what degree you want than if you're 18. This way, you'll waste less time on filler classes or electives when pursuing your degree.
• More motivation: Older students in college classes tend to have more motivation to succeed as well as more reasonable expectations of what success means in a college course, so your chances of success are higher.
• Increased earning potential: Getting a degree in your chosen career after establishing yourself in it makes you more likely to get raises and promotions than your same-age counterparts.

Is 28 Too Old for College? The Disadvantages of Starting College Late

As with all things, there are also reasons you might have wanted to start your education earlier.

While there's no use in looking back on regrets, it's important to understand the disadvantages and challenges you'll face as a student starting college at 28.

Here are some things you need to consider as you start college later in life:

• Specific financial aid opportunities: Many scholarships and grants are only offered to prospective students of a certain age or require you to be a senior in high school at the time you apply, so you may miss out on financial aid opportunities as an older applicant.
• Struggling in a new learning environment: If it's been a while since your last class, you may struggle more in classes than your younger classmates, so you'll have to work harder.
• Even footing with any first-time college student: Unlike in careers, where your extra years give you seniority, you're on the same level or even behind your peers in college, which means you'll have to reconsider how you interact with your fellow students and professors no matter what age they are.

Tips for Success as an Older Adult in College

Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages you may face as a 28-year-old who feels too old for college, here are some tips that can help you get ahead:

• Choose an adult-focused program that will better meet your needs than a traditional program.
• Consider online programs that will help you with your work-life balance alongside your education.
• Find or establish a good support group of classmates, family members, and even professors.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions. No matter how old you are, you aren't expected to know everything, so ask as many questions as you can to learn during your college experience.

Find Out How to Start College at 28 Today

Now that you know 28 isn't too old for college, you can start looking for a college and program that meets your needs online or in person.

Let Learn.org help you start college at 28 today.