Is 40 Too Old To Get a Degree in Business Management?

As online programs become more commonplace and accessible, many adult students are starting or returning to school later in life for business management degrees.

But is 40 too old for a business management degree? No, 40 is not too old! Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about earning a business management degree at 40.

Is 40 Too Old for a Business Management Degree?

Forty is not too old for a business management degree. Many adults above the traditional college entry age choose to begin or return to school to elevate their career opportunities.

Those in their 40s may have a more difficult time earning a degree, as they may be working or have families to care for.

However, being a working adult student can have benefits. Many employers offer tuition benefits and many financial aid options are available to working and busy adults.

How To Find a Business Management Degree in Your 40s

For many people in their 40s, attending courses on a college campus during the day isn't an option. They may have jobs and families to take care of and need something more flexible.

Many colleges and universities offer this flexibility with evening courses and even more offer online courses that students can do on their schedules.

When choosing the right institution for your business management degree, there are a few things to consider, including:

• the level of degree you want to earn
• the format of courses (on-campus or online)
• class schedules
• areas of emphasis or concentration
• course offerings
• program pace
• tuition cost
• financial aid options

Students can find online business management degrees at a number of colleges and universities in the U.S. Some institutions that offer flexible online business management degrees for busy adult students include:

• Arizona State University
• Charter Oak State College
• Colorado State University Global
• National University
• Penn State World Campus
• Purdue Global
• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of Maryland Global Campus
• UMass Global
• Western Governors University

All of the above offer business management programs in a convenient online format that allows students to work when and where they please.

What Jobs Can You Get with a Business Management Degree?

A business management degree is designed to help students excel in management and leadership roles within an organization. As many types of organizations need managers, someone with a business management degree could work a job like:

• business executive
• department manager
• general manager
• human resources manager
• marketing manager
• retail manager
• sales manager

While details vary between companies and positions, many business managers average over six figures, and employment of business managers is expected to grow over the next ten years.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Degree in Business Management?

The length of time it takes to earn a degree in business management depends on several different factors.

Most business managers need a bachelor's degree, which takes about four years of full-time study. Associate degrees and master's degrees each take about two years.

Many online programs offer their courses in shorter terms than the typical 16-week semester. You can find programs with eight- six-, or even four-week classes. You can also find programs that offer a self-paced format.

The majority of colleges and universities will accept transfer credits from previous college experience. Additionally, some also offer credit for things like professional certifications, life experience, or military experience.

How Much Is Tuition for a Business Management Degree?

There are many variables that can affect the cost of tuition for a business management degree. These include:

• the level of degree you're earning
• the college or university you choose
• whether that college or university is public or private
• the state the college or university is in
• if you live in the same state
• the number credits you still need
• the financial aid you qualify for

The average cost of tuition for an undergraduate degree at a public school in the U.S. is $9,678 for in-state residents and $27,091 per year for out-of-state students. Private schools average $38,768 per year.

To help pay for your tuition, fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will help you determine what financial aid, like scholarships, grants, and student loans, you qualify for.

Many scholarship and grant opportunities are geared toward adult students, students who work full-time, and students who are parents. If you work full-time, your employer may also offer tuition assistance as part of your benefits package.

Earn a Business Management Degree at 40

Forty is not too old for a business management degree. Many students start or return to school when they're older. With the guide above, you can determine if earning a degree in business management at 40 is right for you.