Is 39 Too Late To Start College?

If you've never attended college or started but never finished your degree, you may be weighing the pros and cons of going to school at age 39.

But you're wondering: is it too late for you to start or return to college?

It's never too late to go back to school, and there are many reasons to wait to get your degree until you're a bit older. Rather than being too late, age 39 can be a great time to start college.

Read on as we answer this question and more in greater depth.

Is 39 Too Late to Start College?

We usually think of college as being full of young people in their late teens and early 20s.

But it turns out, this traditional view doesn't tell the whole story.

While the majority of college students fall into this age group, a growing number of college students are much older.

Research conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics shows that, as of 2019, 26 percent of students at public colleges and 37 percent at private, for-profit schools are 40 or older.

With statistics like these, you can rest assured that you won't be alone if you decide to go to school at 39.

You may even have some classmates who are older than you.

Why Do Some People Go to College in their 30s?

Perhaps you're wondering about your motivation to start or go back to college at 39.

Maybe you're curious why other people take this step in life and how your reasons for doing so compare to theirs.

While you may have entirely different reasons for going to school, here are some common reasons why working professionals choose to return to college in their 30s or beyond.

To Pursue a Career Change

Some people go back to school because they are looking to change careers.

They may be dissatisfied with their current career, decide to pursue a career that has always interested them, or seek a pay increase.

Since many careers require a college degree, then going back to school is often a necessary step in a career change.

Sometimes, a degree is not required but preferred, so older job changers get their degree to give themselves a better chance of landing the job.

To Advance in a Current Career

Perhaps you're perfectly satisfied with your current career, but you want to seek out a promotion or be eligible for a pay increase.

Getting a degree can help you achieve these goals.

Again, getting your degree may not be a requirement to advance in your current role, but doing so opens up a world of possibilities for you.

Those with college degrees are almost always paid more and considered first for promotions than those who don't have a degree.

To Finish What You Started

Many students start college fresh out of high school but end up dropping out.

Either they can't decide what to major in, or life happens and they are forced to put school on hold.

Many working professionals go back to school to finish their degree when they are in a better place financially or personally, or once they have a better idea of their long-term goals and which degree will help them get there.

To Pursue an Interest

Maybe you've always had a particular interest in history or biology, or perhaps you love the ins and outs of mathematics or communication.

Whatever your academic interest, pursuing a degree in the subject can help you take a deep dive into that interest and learn more about it.

For many adult learners, going to college is about pursuing personal growth and fulfillment, which can include learning about your interests.

To Challenge Yourself

Another part of pursuing growth and fulfillment is challenging yourself.

Maybe no one else in your family has gone to college and you want to inspire your kids.

Or, maybe you need to prove to yourself that you can do it.

Going to college at 39 can be a great way to challenge yourself, stretch your academic muscles, and see what you can do.

Many older students go back to school primarily for this reason.

Will a 39-Year-Old College Graduate Find a Job?

Perhaps your biggest concern, particularly if you're looking to change careers after graduating, is whether or not you'll be able to find a job.

After all, college is time-consuming and expensive; you need to have a reasonable expectation that the investment will be worth it.

While it's impossible to guarantee you'll be able to find a job after college, that is true regardless of your age.

Generally speaking, you'll have a better chance of finding a job with a degree than without one.

Age discrimination in the workforce is illegal, but that doesn't guarantee it won't happen.

Many employers prefer to hire younger candidates for the majority of roles.

That said, many other employers care about keeping the workplace diverse and recognize the value of older job candidates with a greater amount of work experience under their belt.

The trick is to find these employers, and then convince them that you're the best candidate for the role, regardless of your age.

Networking with other professionals in your chosen field can help you find out about promising job leads and help you meet people who can vouch for you in your job search.

Highlighting previous career accomplishments, even if you worked in a different field, can show prospective employers your value.

Never be afraid to discuss the transferable soft skills you've gained over time.

These can show employers that you take your work seriously and have what it takes to get the job done.

So, yes. A 39-year-old college graduate can get a job even if they are entering a new field.

It may simply take a bit of work and perseverance to find the role that's right for you.

Consider Starting College Today

If you're thinking of going back to school at 39, then know that it's not too late to start.

You will make a valuable addition to any classroom, and getting your degree can give you what you need to pursue a new career, advance in your current one, or achieve personal satisfaction and fulfillment.