Is 60 Too Old To Go to Graduate School?
Find out if you're too old to go to grad school when you are 60. Explore other common questions and get tips to help you find success as an older graduate student.
Interested in going back to school for a master's degree? Perhaps you're even considering a doctoral degree. If you're 60 years old, you may have questions. Specifically, you're wondering if you're too old to get started.
You're never too old to go to college, and 60 is not too old to pursue a graduate degree. Your age is not as important as what you've done with your life between obtaining your bachelor's degree and entering grad school.
Let's take a look at this question in more detail.
Are You Too Old To Start Grad School at 60?
Colleges and universities don't put age limits on their degree programs. Therefore, it's possible to go back to school and get your degree at any age.
While the majority of graduate school students are in their 20s and 30s, there are many who don't decide to get their advanced degree until later in life.
It's not uncommon to see students in their 40s and 50s in a grad school classroom; some students don't begin until they are in their 60s or even their 70s.
For many people, life happens; academic plans may be delayed by financial difficulties, health problems, or family commitments.
If this sounds like your story, then it's okay to think about returning to school at this later point in your life. If you are finally in a place financially and personally that getting your graduate degree makes sense, then age should not be a factor in your decision.
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Arizona State University
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Is Going to Graduate School at 60 Worth It?
You may still be wondering whether you should start grad school at age 60. Is it worth the investment? That is a question only you can answer.
There are many things to consider when deciding to get your master's or doctoral degree. You may still be working full-time and probably have family commitments and bills to pay.
Getting your graduate degree can potentially lead to significant pay increases and a wider variety of career options; at the same time, finding a new job can become more challenging as you get older.
On the other hand, pursuing your master's degree may give you the opportunity to pursue lifelong passions or interests you've developed over time. If it seems like a good time in your life to pursue a graduate degree, you may see it as an opportunity you don't want to lose.
Tips for Returning to Graduate School at 60
Whether you're just thinking about going to graduate school or have decided to take the plunge, following these tips will help you navigate the process and find success:
Determine Your Motivation
Graduate school is hard work. The classes and assignments can be challenging, and you may have to spend a lot of time studying to make it through.
Knowing why you want to attend graduate school will help keep you focused on what motivates you. Keeping your long-term goals in focus will give you the best chance of navigating the challenges that come up and ultimately graduating with your degree.
Have a Plan
Not only does grad school take a lot of time and hard work; it's also expensive. You may not have the time to balance school, family responsibilities, and a full-time job. You may not be able to afford to quit working while you study.
Talk with your family and your employer about your plans to return to school. Your employer may be willing to fund your degree, and your family may have ideas about how they can help support your educational endeavors. Having a plan will help you be prepared for success.
Study for the GRE
The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is a standardized test you must take as part of any graduate school admissions process. It tests your aptitude for graduate-level studies and predicts how you will do as a graduate student.
GRE scores are important regardless of age, but as an older student, you should place particular emphasis on getting the best scores possible. The GRE is likely your best recent indicator of academic performance, so schools may rely on it more heavily than if you were a recent undergraduate student.
Acquire Letters of Recommendation
Another important aspect of a graduate school application is your letters of recommendation. It's a good idea to have several of these letters, including at least one from an academic connection.
Reach out to any previous professors, who will likely be willing to draw on academic records to write a letter for you even if they don't remember you personally. You should also solicit letters from any current or recent employers.
Take Online Classes
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed or are unable to commit to a set class schedule, consider enrolling in online graduate classes. These classes often have more flexible, self-paced schedules that are designed for busy adults.
Completing your degree online also gives you the opportunity to study at your school of choice from anywhere so you don't have to worry about commuting or relocating. Some online programs even provide tuition discounts, making graduate degrees more accessible for students of all ages.
Consider Entering Grad School Today
If you're a 60-year-old considering graduate school, follow the tips above to decide if it's right for you. But don't ever let your age stand in the way of pursuing your dreams, as you are never too old to get your degree.
