Is 55 Too Old To Go to College?

If you're wondering whether 55 is too old to go to college, you'll be happy to know that it's never too late to attend college whether you're 55, 65, or beyond.

Now more than ever, colleges and universities are delivering flexible programs for working adults interested in earning degrees and starting new career paths.

Keep reading to find out what it takes to start or return to college at 55, and discover the best careers for older adults.

Is 55 Too Old for College?

No, 55 is not too old for college. Attending a college or university and earning a degree comes with no age limit.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 500,000 postsecondary students were aged 50 to 64 in the fall of 2021.

Hundreds of thousands of students attending college in their 50s and beyond show that it's never too late.

However, some are discouraged from going to school because they're unsure whether doing so is worth the time and effort required.

Is It Worth Getting a Degree After 50?

Earning a degree after 50 is worth it. You can accomplish a major goal while opening doors to a new and exciting life.

But these are not the only benefits.

Research shows that individuals possessing a bachelor's degree earn nearly 85% more than workers with a high school diploma as their highest degree.

Bachelor's degree holders are also half as likely to face unemployment.

Studies reveal that degree holders get better jobs — those that offer paid vacation, flexible scheduling options, retirement benefits, health insurance, and more.

While no job is completely recession-proof, individuals with college degrees often experience fewer job losses during recessions than individuals with less education.

Tips for Starting College at 55

Starting college at 55 is as easy as picking the right program and enrolling.

But as an older adult with family and work obligations, it doesn't feel that simple.

Here are some tips for beginning college at a later age.

Speak With Your Loved Ones

Talk to your friends and family to ensure you'll get support with cooking meals, watching the kids, and ensuring other obligations are met while you're in class and studying.

Organize Your School Life

Find calendars, schedules, and other tools to organize your new life as a student.

Choose times and pick a quiet place to study that won't lead to interruptions and delays in degree completion.

Explore Programs for Working Adults

Look for flexible degree programs for working adults that offer courses on the weekends or in the evenings — or consider online degrees that let you learn anytime and from any location.

Decide How to Cover School Costs

Research scholarships, ask about your employer's tuition reimbursement program, and fill out the FAFSA form to apply for grants so the cost of school isn't a burden on your family.

Find Services for Older Adults

In addition to student support services like tutoring, success coaching, and writing assistance, look for adult student services like child care, fee waivers, and other resources to make the transition easier.

What Are the Best Careers and Degrees for Older Adults?

Some of the best degrees for older adults are those leading to professions that project growth between 2022 and 2032 and have higher median ages.

1. Facilities Managers (Business)

A facilities administrator or administrative services manager plans and coordinates activities to ensure a business operates efficiently.

A bachelor's degree in business is often required to secure this role.

The median age of a facilities manager is 53.6. This role expects 5% growth, which is faster than average for all occupations.

2. Property Appraisers and Assessors (Business)

Appraisers and assessors estimate the value of real estate and other property. Their median age is 53.2.

A business degree is often required for this role; however, psychology and social science degrees are acceptable.

Appraising and assessing jobs are expected to grow faster than average at 5%.

3. Interior Designers (Fine Arts)

Interior designers create beautiful, functional, and safe indoor spaces for clients using colors, materials, lighting, and more.

The median age of interior designers is 48.2.

A bachelor's degree in any field is good for entering the field; however, fine arts courses should be the focal point.

Interior designer employment is projected to grow by 4%, about as fast as the average.

4. Interpreters and Translators (Foreign Language)

Interpreters and translators convert from one language to another. Interpreters work with spoken language and translators work with written materials.

Candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in their chosen foreign language, business, or communication.

The median age is 47.2 and job growth is expected to be as fast as average at 4%.

5. Electrical and Electronics Engineers (Electrical Engineering or Electronics Engineering)

Electrical engineers design and develop electric motors, navigation systems, and other electrical equipment.

Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment like GPS devices and broadcast systems.

A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or electronics engineering is required. Expected job growth is faster than average at 5%, and the median age for this role is 45.8.

6. Database Administrators and Architects (Computer Science)

Database administrators and architects develop systems to store and secure data.

A computer and information technology bachelor's degree in computer science or information science is common for this role.

Employment for database administrators and architects is expected to grow faster than average at 8%. The median age for this position is 45.4.

7. Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists (Business or Social Science)

A benefits, job analysis, or compensation specialist oversees an organization's wage and nonwage programs.

The median age for this role is 45.

A bachelor's degree in business, social science, communication, or psychology is common for this role.

Employment is projected to grow faster than average at 7%.

Begin a Degree Program Today

Now that you know the answer to the question 'Is 55 too old to go to college?' take time to explore degree programs that align with your academic and career goals as an older student.