Is 35 Too Old To Get an Education Degree?

Is 35 too old to get an education degree? The truth is, your age should never stop you from earning a degree in education.

Earning a degree in your 30s can actually come with many benefits. From saving money in your 20s that can help contribute to tuition to gaining better insight about your interests in life, there are many great reasons to wait to get your degree.

In this article, we'll discuss the possible advantages of obtaining an education degree at 35, some of the career paths for this, and answer some of the frequently asked questions about it.

Reasons To Earn Your Education Degree at 35

Obtaining your degree at 35 may be the right choice for some professionals. It just comes down to what your personal goals are. Consider what you want to achieve out of your education degree.

These are the common reasons why someone may wait until their 30s before obtaining a degree in education.

Save Money for Tuition

The more time you have to work in the labor market, the more opportunity you have to save money. Earning a degree can be a high expense for some individuals.

While you should look into scholarships and grants, saving a little money for tuition may help position you in a good place before starting your undergraduate program.

Consider Your Goals and Values

What do you want to do in your career, and what kind of impact do you want to make? For many 18-year-olds, the answer to this question isn't clear.

If you wait until you're 30 before getting a degree, you may have a better understanding of your passion and interests and know what kind of career you're most interested in.

Opportunity for Higher Salary

Having professional experience under your belt before starting an undergraduate program may seem like the opposite process that most people take, but it can actually help you earn a higher salary post-graduation.

More work experience sometimes means more value at work, so you may have additional negotiating power toward a teaching salary.

What Will I Learn in an Education Degree Program?

Depending on the type of teaching role you go into, your course load will likely follow a mix of general education and elective requirements for a well-rounded degree.

Teachers who plan to begin working in K-12 learning environments may take courses about classroom management, early development, and adolescent psychology.

Teachers who are interested in a second language may need to prove their proficiency in that particular language.

What Can I Do with My Education Degree?

Luckily, there are many career options within the teaching space. Earning a standard bachelor's degree in education can get you started on the right path toward some of the roles below.

Keep in mind that some professional tracks may require additional degrees, certifications, and licensures. Make sure to check the national and regional requirements for the role you intend to work in.

Teacher

A teacher is at the forefront of the classroom and influences their students to become engaged, active learners. Teachers must balance the learning needs of the student with success metrics in place by administrators.

This may include preparation for standardized testing and teaching essential information as required by the school board.

Principal

A principal position is typically someone who oversees the complete functions of elementary, middle, or high schools. The principal, an expert in education administration may be required to manage the teachers and administrators, develop a state-approved curriculum, and balance the budget of the school.

Education Consultant

An education consultant is a third-party professional typically hired on behalf of a student. The education consultant will oversee the overall success of the students and prepare them for life at a university and their professional career.

The consultant will see improvement areas for the students and help them get the help they need in school.

Substitute Teacher

A substitute teacher is a professional who works on a part-time or as-needed basis. While there is not as much reliability or consistent scheduling in this type of position, it can be great for individuals who are balancing other careers in education.

A substitute teacher oversees classes when the regular teacher is not available.

FAQs About Starting an Education Degree at 35

You may be curious about the career path ahead of you if you are choosing an education degree after 35. Here are the common frequently asked questions and their answers.

Can I Work and Go to College?

Yes, you can work and earn your degree at the same time. Many in-person colleges now offer their programs to remote learning students.

Online programs can be a great option for working professionals who want to start their degree because classes are typically asynchronous and can be completed at any time during the day. You also don't have to take time out of your day to commute to campus.

How Do I Decide if I Should Go Back to College?

If you're deciding whether or not, it's a good idea to go back to college, you can start by creating a list of your goals. It's important to identify the reason why you want to go back and ultimately what you want to achieve from your degree.

After you have a list of your goals, then you can consider other factors like financial assistance and your budget for tuition. This will help you find schools that align with your expectations.

How Late Is Too Late To Become an Educator?

Age should never be a factor when considering earning an education degree. Many people choose to go back to college throughout their lifetime. It's not uncommon for professionals to also change their career track after working for a few decades.

At What Age Do Most People Become an Educator?

Most professionals typically start their professional career and education within their mid- to late 20s. Keep in mind that many career tracks require some type of licensure or certification, and you may want to factor this into the overall time required before you start working.