Is 59 Too Old To Go to College? Why It's Never Too Late

Are you wondering: is 59 too old to go to college? If you're 59, you may be thinking you've missed your best opportunity to get an education. But is that really true? Can you still start college in your 50s?

You're not too old to go to college at 59. In fact, there are several valid reasons why you may be considering a return to school. The important thing is determining whether getting your degree is worth it to you.

Keep reading as we explore this topic.

Are You Too Old to Start College at 59?

If you're worried that you're too old to start college, you can lay those fears to rest. College has no age limits, so you are never too old to enroll in classes or obtain your degree.

In fact, adults of all ages are returning to school in greater numbers. A growing percentage of students working toward their bachelor's degree are over the age of 40.

And, with many schools and states offering free or reduced-cost courses for senior citizens, it's no longer uncommon to see individuals in their 60s and 70s on college campuses.

At 59, you may be older than many of your peers, but there's a good chance you won't be the oldest student on campus. What's more, your advanced level of maturity could even be seen as an asset in the classroom.

You undoubtedly have a variety of work and life experiences that 'traditional' college students in their teens and 20s don't have yet. This allows you to contribute unique perspectives to class discussions and assignments.

So, all things considered, you are far from being too old to go to college. That said, it's still important to determine why you want to return to school and whether the investment of time and money makes sense for you.

Should You Go to College if You're in Your 50s?

There are many good reasons why you might decide to enroll in college in your 50s. Keep in mind, though, that you may also face unique challenges, such as having a mortgage and other bills, putting your kids through school, or working long hours.

Only you can decide whether attending college is worth it for you given your own circumstances. Let's take a look at some of the reasons you might be considering college to help you better make your decision.

Improve Your Hireability

Many people find that they have a harder time getting hired over age 50. Getting your degree can not only make you a more desirable job candidate but may help you qualify for salary increases and promotions.

Though there are potential benefits to earning your degree, it's important to remember that having a degree doesn't guarantee a job or a promotion. It simply improves your chances of advancing your career.

Pursue a New Career

Maybe you want a fresh start by pursuing a new career in a new field. A lot of careers require you to have at least an associate or bachelor's degree, so going back to school may be necessary to make this move.

Starting a new career in your late 50s is challenging since you'll be competing with younger job candidates, and a degree may or may not benefit you in your endeavors. You will have to decide for yourself whether the risk is worth the potential reward.

Keep Busy

If you previously worked in a field, such as firefighting, that necessitated an early retirement, you may have more time on your hands than you would like at 59.

Whether you pursue a degree or simply audit a class here and there, going to college can be a great way to break up the monotony and keep your mind sharp.

Explore an Interest

Maybe you've always been fascinated by a particular subject or wanted to learn more about a certain career path. At 59, you may finally have enough financial security and time to pursue this interest.

You could get a degree to pursue a career in the field that interests you, or you could just take a few classes to satisfy your curiosity. Whatever floats your boat and fits your budget.

Challenge Yourself

Finally, you may be considering college for personal reasons: to finish a degree you started when you were younger, or simply to put yourself to the test and prove that you can do it.

In this case, getting your degree is likely to give you a great sense of personal satisfaction, as well as boost your confidence in your abilities.

Will a 59-Year-Old College Graduate Find a Job?

If you're going back to school for the purpose of changing or advancing your career, you may still be wondering: realistically, as a 59-year-old, are you likely to get a job after graduating?

As noted above, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to find a job just because you have a degree. This is true regardless of your age, but those who are older than 50 will likely face more challenges than younger candidates.

Age discrimination is illegal, but it is still relatively common. To get hired as a 59-year-old recent graduate, you'll have to demonstrate to employers that you're a better choice than the younger candidates you're competing with.

You can do this by showing off the job skills you've gained throughout your employment history, as many of these skills (such as leadership, management, and communication) transfer across a variety of industries.

It's also important to let potential employers know about any accolades you've received as an employee. Special recognition can point to your overall value as an employee regardless of your industry.

Networking with those in your chosen field can also boost your chances of landing a good job. Often, people within your professional network can provide job leads and vouch for you to employers.

Though it may take a bit of extra work, it is possible to find a new job in your 50s. Again, though, only you can decide whether getting a college degree to pursue these new opportunities is worth the work and money it will require.

Consider Starting College Today

So, if you are wondering: is 59 too old to go to college? It's not too late to get started. Before you do, though, spend some time considering whether it's worth returning to school and making a plan to give yourself the best chance of success.