What Is the Average Age To Get a Master's Degree?

Thinking of going back to school for your master's degree? Perhaps you're concerned about your age and wondering how you'll compare to other students in your program.

The national average age of a graduate student is 33 years old; however, this average will vary depending on the type of school you attend and the program you're enrolled in.

Keep reading for more information.

What Is the Average Age of Master's Degree Students in the U.S.?

Many students go on to pursue a master's degree right after graduating with their bachelor's; others enter the workforce for a few years before returning to school; and still others don't go back until much later.

With this in mind, master's degree programs are typically filled with students from all ages and walks of life.

But what is the average age of all of these students?

Research done by the Council of Graduate Schools suggests that the average age for all graduate students in the U.S. is 33.

The same study indicates that notable percentages of students in graduate programs are over the ages of 40 and 50.

Looking at numbers from the National Center for Education Statistics, we find that about two-thirds of graduate students at public and private non-profit schools are under 30, while two-thirds of students at private, for-profit institutions are over 30 (with one-third being over 40).

Keep in mind that this study refers to all graduate students, including those pursuing doctoral degrees.

The average age of master's degree students will vary from school to school and from program to program.

For example, many of the top MBA programs have an average student age of 28.

Students in full-time, traditional campus-based programs are likely to have a younger average age, while those in online or part-time programs are most likely to have an older average age.

Again, though, these are only averages, and they do not necessarily apply to every master's degree program across the board.

Are You Too Old (Or Too Young) to Start a Master's Degree Program?

You've probably heard the saying that age is just a number. It may sound like a cliche, but it applies to this question.

There is no such thing as too young or too old to start a master's degree program.

As long as you hold a bachelor's degree and meet the other admission requirements, you are free to enroll in the program of your choosing.

The important thing to determine is why you want to attend graduate school and obtain a master's degree.

It's a significant investment of time and money, so it's important to keep your goals in focus as you work through your program.

Many older students go back to school for personal reasons: they want to learn a new skill or take a deep dive into a subject that has always interested them.

Others go back to school to pursue a promotion or higher pay, or to make a career change once they have a better grasp of their long-term professional goals.

Students who are younger than the average master's degree student may choose to enter a program for the academic challenges, or because they already have a well-defined career goal, and getting their graduate degree as soon as possible is part of it.

Whatever your reason for pursuing a master's degree, try not to lose sight of it as you wade through hours of study and the challenges of juggling school with other personal and professional commitments.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Master's Degree?

As noted above, there are different types of master's degrees, and the length of time it takes you to graduate will largely depend on the type of program you enroll in.

Traditional campus-based master's degree programs usually require full-time study and take about two years to graduate.

Some programs take longer, while others can be completed more quickly.

Part-time programs are typically completed more slowly than full-time programs, allowing students time for other commitments in their lives.

Part-time programs may take three to four years to complete depending on how quickly you move through each required course.

Many online master's degree programs provide a self-paced study option, allowing you to study either part-time or full-time depending on your availability.

These programs can be completed in an accelerated timeframe, sometimes in as little as a year or less.

However, this requires a big time commitment and excellent time-management skills.

You can also choose to progress through self-paced programs at a more relaxed pace, completing courses whenever you have the time and taking time off between courses if needed.

Because of the flexibility, online master's degree programs are often preferred by busy working adults in their 30s and older.

Start Your Master's Degree Program Today

The average age of people who get their master's degrees is the late 20s to early 30s; however, most master's programs are filled with a wide range of ages.

It's never too late to pursue your master's degree, even if you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond.