Is 35 Too Old to Get an Accounting Degree?

A bachelor's degree is a common requirement for individuals who want to become accountants or auditors. Many colleges and universities offer one or more accounting degree options, including:

• accounting
• forensic accounting
• tax accounting
• internal accounting

If you're 35 with a busy personal and work life, you might wonder if you've passed the appropriate age to return to school. Whether you're 35 or beyond, you're never too old to get an accounting degree.

Getting a degree at any age brings a lot of perks. But if you're in your mid-30s, returning to school to earn a degree and starting a career in accounting can be even more beneficial.

Reasons To Earn Your Accounting Degree at 35

Earning an accounting degree at 35 is a great way to recharge your career. But that's just one of many reasons to go back to school for accounting in your mid-30s.

Better Earnings

There is a proven correlation between the degree a person holds and the income they earn. Research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that workers earn more with bachelor's degrees than with an associate degree or less.

Job Security

A major benefit of going back to school is job security. The BLS revealed in its 2023 Current Population Survey that workers over age 25 with a bachelor's degree have an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. The unemployment rate for people with a high school diploma is 3.9%.

New Career Opportunities

A bachelor's degree in accounting opens doors to new career opportunities. Earning a degree can help people who already work in accounting (ex. bookkeeping) make an exciting career advancement. Individuals who work in other fields can switch careers entirely.

What Will I Learn In an Accounting Degree Program?

Accounting bachelor's degree programs vary from school to school but generally focus on preparing students to become accountants or auditors. You'll likely go over the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and explore:

• economics
• law
• finance
• management

You might find a program with concentrations in public accounting or managerial accounting. Or you could run into a program that focuses on specific areas of accounting for accounting information systems or taxes. If you want to become certified, programs are available that prepare students to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams.

Common courses in accounting programs include:

• business law
• finance
• federal tax
• microeconomics
• advanced accounting
• auditing

Bachelor's programs generally require 120 credits and four years to graduate.

What Can I Do With My Accounting Degree?

An accounting bachelor's degree opens doors to several exciting careers. Employment for some of these positions is expected to grow tremendously between 2022 and 2032, according to the BLS.

Accountant or Auditor

Accountants and auditors have similar roles. They both:

• determine the accuracy of financial records
• evaluate financial risks
• prepare tax returns

They also inspect accounting systems and identify the best ways to lower costs and increase profits. Different types of accountants and auditors include:

• government accountants
• certified public accountants
• internal auditors
• IT auditors

Financial Analyst

A financial analyst helps a business decide the best uses of money to secure profits. Analysts examine how investments like stocks and bonds perform. They also:

• study economic trends
• analyze financial data
• determine the business' value through financial statements

Employment for financial analysts is expected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average.

Management Analyst

A management analyst works with an organization to determine how managing costs and revenues can improve profitability. They analyze financial data, including expenditure and revenue reports. Management analysts also take on non-financial responsibilities like recommending organizational changes or controlling inventory. Employment for management analysts is expected to grow 10%.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts serve as financial planners for private and public organizations. Some of their responsibilities include:

• creating budget reports
• ensuring organizational spending falls within the budget
• estimating future financial needs

They also prepare annual reports and review funding requests.

Personal Financial Advisor

A personal financial advisor helps individuals make financial decisions for:

• taxes
• insurance
• investments
• mortgages

Their role includes:

• discussing financial goals with clients
• recommending investments
• monitoring client accounts
• helping clients make financial plans

The employment outlook for personal financial advisors is much faster than average at 13%.

FAQs About Starting an Accounting Degree at 35

These frequently asked questions can offer additional insight into earning an accounting degree at 35.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Accounting Degree at 35?

Yes, there are several benefits to starting your accounting degree at 35. Here are just a few:

• Older students are generally more focused and goal-oriented than their younger counterparts.
• You could earn your degree faster by transferring in previous college credits.
• If you have work experience, you might qualify for life experience credits that could apply to your degree.

Already having work experience could also help you more easily compete against graduates with no work experience who want the same accounting roles.

Can I Complete My Accounting Degree Online?

Several colleges and universities offer online bachelor's degrees in accounting. These degrees are usually available 100% online and require no class time. Online courses are very flexible, allowing you to learn anytime and from any location with internet access. Most online programs deliver the same courses traditional programs offer and are taught by expert faculty members. Some also prepare you for CPA and other certification exams.

Can I Work and Go To College?

Yes, you can work and attend college at the same time. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 74% of part-time undergraduates and 40% of full-time undergraduates were employed in 2020. It's a good idea to search for programs that accommodate working students by offering night or weekend courses — or delivering coursework in a flexible online format.