Is 42 Too Old To Go to College?

<p>Advancing your career later in life can be the best time to start. If you want to start a business, move up in your current industry, or move onto a new career path, the benefits of life and work experience can be on your side. </p> <h3 id="section---PursueACareerOrNewCareer">Pursue a Career or New Career</h3> <p>Whether you have previously earned college credits or never had any college experience, you can be confident about starting college in your 40s. </p> <p>Most bachelor's degree programs take about four years to complete based on full-time enrollment with no previous credits, which allows you to step into your career before the age of 50. </p> <h3 id="section---StartingABusiness">Starting a Business</h3> <p>If you are 42 years old and are interested in starting a business, completing your college degree can help you pursue your professional goals. </p> <p>Earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in a field specific to your industry or complete a business degree, such as accounting or business administration, to build a foundation of critical skills needed to run a company. </p> <p>Many online accredited institutions offer accredited business-related programs. See examples of programs related to the business industry in the table below. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Online College </th><th> Degree Program </th><th> Tuition Per Credit</th></tr> <tr><td> <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Capella_University.html">Capella University</a> </td><td> BS in business </td><td> $350 to $415</td></tr> <tr><td> <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Grand_Canyon_University.html">Grand Canyon University</a> </td><td> BS in business management </td><td> $485</td></tr> <tr><td> <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Maryville_University.html">Maryville University</a> </td><td> BS in business administration </td><td> $540</td></tr> <tr><td> <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Purdue_University.html">Purdue Global</a> </td><td> BS in organizational management </td><td> $371</td></tr> </table><p>Obtaining a college degree before starting your business shows how dedicated you are to providing high-quality products or services. </p> <h3 id="section---AdvanceYourCareer">Advance Your Career</h3> <p>Forty-two years of age is not too old to complete your degree and enhance your career. Most employers look for candidates with at least a bachelor's degree for advanced positions. </p> <p>Starting or going back to college at 42 can put you in a position to qualify for handling more duties in your current position or getting a new job. </p> <p>There are online learning formats that allow you to complete your degree program at your own pace and give you the flexibility you need to handle your personal, professional, and educational responsibilities. </p> <p>Find out if your employer provides a tuition reimbursement program if you are currently employed. </p> <h2 id="section---BestCollegesForAdults42YearsOfAge">Best Colleges for Adults 42 Years of Age</h2> <p>The best colleges for adults 42 years of age offer hybrid, online, or competency based education degree programs. </p> <p>Learn about each learning option below. </p> <h3 id="section---Hybrid">Hybrid</h3> <p>Hybrid degree programs are an excellent choice if you prefer to complete assignments in a classroom. They are flexible programs that are usually taught online and on campus. </p> <p>The online and in person requirements differ depending on the college and your selected major. On campus classes are generally held in the evening to accommodate students with other obligations. </p> <h3 id="section---Online">Online</h3> <p>Fully online degree programs are asynchronous or synchronous. A synchronous learning format involves live online instruction during a scheduled time and deadlines for assignments, quizzes, and tests. </p> <p>An asynchronous learning format does not involve live classes. You complete your studies in your own time to meet specific deadlines. </p> <h3 id="section---CompetencyBasedEducation">Competency-Based Education</h3> <p>Find an online degree program that is taught with a competency-based education format. CBE learning allows you to complete your degree at your own pace with no set deadlines. </p> <p>Examinations are used to demonstrate mastery of a specific topic and you proceed to the next topic after successful completion. </p> <p>Proctor examinations may be required to determine integrity. You can save time and money with CBE learning by completing as many courses as possible in a semester. </p> <p>Many accredited colleges offer hybrid, fully online, and CBE degree programs. See a few examples of these affordable and flexible colleges below: </p> <ul><li><a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Arizona_State_University.html">Arizona State University</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Southern_New_Hampshire_University.html">Southern New Hampshire University</a> </li><li>University of Phoenix </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Walden_University.html">Walden University</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Western_Governors_University.html">Western Governors University</a> </li></ul><p>Many online colleges do not require test scores or an application fee which makes it easier for adults looking to start or return to college to enroll and start classes right away. </p> <h2 id="section---StartEarningYourCollegeDegreeToday">Start Earning Your College Degree Today</h2> <p>You may think that 42 is too old for college, but it' not. If you can dedicate time and effort to pursue an education that will support your career goal, than you should start the journey of earning a college degree today!</p>