Is 65 Too Old To Go Back to College? 5 Benefits

Pursuing a degree is great for your career, but is 65 too old for college?

No, 65 is not too old for college! There are no age restrictions on getting an education and obtaining a degree.

Keep reading to learn about some of the advantages of returning to school as an older adult learner, which includes examples of schools to explore as a senior citizen enrolling in college.

Is 65 Too Old To Go Back to College? Here Are 5 Benefits To Explore

Whether you are looking to further your academics for professional reasons or to engage in specific coursework for personal growth, being 65 is not too old for college.

There are numerous reasons to consider a degree as a senior citizen and here are five benefits of doing so.

1. Older Students Have More Experience

One of the top benefits of returning to the classroom at an older age is having years of work and life experience to leverage to succeed in your coursework.

This experience can be advantageous in many ways. For example, older adult students are more inclined to understand better how to balance projects to meet deadlines or collaborate effectively with different people.

Being a 65-year-old student offers the chance to take what you have gained through real-world experience and provide valuable insights toward classroom discussions and assignments.

2. Free Tuition for 65-Year-Olds

Several nationwide institutions offer free tuition for senior citizens, along with other advantages for returning to school.

Many of these programs are available through online education, which offers flexibility and convenience for adult learners who want to obtain a degree while maintaining other commitments.

Examples of institutions that older students can explore include:

• University of South Carolina has the On Your Time Initiatives Program, which offers free tuition to those over 65.
• University of Virginia provides a Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver Program, through which adults over 60 can take free college classes.
• The University of Georgia permits those 62 years of age and older to register for classes tuition-free, based on space availability.
• Pennsylvania State University in Lehigh Valley offers seniors over 60 years old the opportunity to take six credits per semester without paying tuition.
• University of Delaware provides free tuition to residents over the age of 60 to help them complete their college degrees.

In addition, many institutions also have various scholarships, grants, and other discounts geared specifically toward mature students.

3. A College Degree Enhances Careers of Adult Learners

Older and mature students tend to have a clearer focus on their career goals and what they are looking to achieve, and getting a college degree will help them meet their targets faster.

Whether you want to advance your skills and knowledge to improve your work performance or have decided to switch your career path altogether, 65 is not too old for college.

While obtaining a college education is not guaranteed a job, it puts you in a more promising position ahead of other candidates who have not earned their degree, especially as an older adult.

4. Going to College at 65 Helps Your Social Life

Many mature adults feel lonely or isolated for various reasons, and taking college classes can boost socialization and help build new connections and friendships.

Going back to school as a senior citizen creates a high potential for networking with like-minded individuals and helps you stay active and engaged at an older age while giving you a sense of purpose.

5. A College Degree Keeps Older Adult Learners Relevant

Enrolling in college courses at 65 is not too old, and depending on your chosen industry, doing so helps keep your skills and expertise relevant and in line with the latest trends.

Being a student and a senior citizen helps you grow while fostering critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities applicable at any stage of your career.

Can I Get Financial Aid for College at 65?

Is 65 too old for college and financial aid? As an older adult learner, you are eligible to apply and get financial assistance just like any student of any age, and it is recommended that you do so.

The first step students should take to determine their eligibility for assistance, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, is to complete the online form for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

As mentioned above, there are many financial aid opportunities for adults to explore, like tuition waiver programs or other ways for senior citizens to engage in free college, and you should research what might work best for you.

Is It Worth Going Back to College at 65?

You are never too old to return to school to further your academic studies, and for the right individual, going back to college at 65 is certainly worth it.

With benefits that include free tuition waivers for senior citizens, a chance to improve your current skills in certain subjects, or the opportunity to explore a new career field, being 65 is not too old to go to college.

Enroll in a Degree Program as a 65-Year-Old Student Today

Is 65 too old for college? The answer is a resounding no; you are never too old to go back to school, and today is a great time to find a degree program to enroll in that matches your academic goals.