Is There a Maximum Age Limit To Apply To College?
Colleges are making it easier than ever to attend while adulting, but how old is too old to earn a degree? Keep reading to learn about college for adults and college application age limits.
With the expansion of online and non-traditional college programs, students can start or return to college even when they have jobs to work or dependents to care for.
But how old is too old for college? There is not a maximum age limit to apply to college. Keep reading to learn about college application age limits.
Is There a Maximum Age Limit To Apply To College?
There is no college application age limit. You can apply to college regardless of how old you are, and many students choose to begin or return to college as an adult.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Featured Colleges for Adults
There are many colleges that are geared toward adult learners. Below, we've featured ten colleges that have a high percentage of students over 25, listed from highest to lowest percentage.
1. Union Institute & University
Union Institute & University is a private online university headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
Programs are available in areas of study like:
- business
- criminal justice
- emergency management
- health professions
The university is focused on adult learners, and 94% of its student body is age 25 or older. Union is also the only designated Hispanic Serving Institution in Ohio.
2. Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University is a private university in San Francisco, California. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees on campus and online.
Students can study fields such as:
- business
- law
- psychology
- public administration
Golden Gate University was developed for working professionals and continues that mission today, with 93% of students age 25 or older.
3. Peirce College
Peirce College is a private college in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for adult learners. It offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificates in person and online.
Programs are available in areas of study like:
- business
- health professions
- criminal justice
- liberal arts
88% of students at Peirce College are over the age of 25, and the average student age is 38 years old, according to the college.
4. Western Governors University
Western Governors University is a private, online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's programs.
Students can study fields such as:
- business
- computer science and IT
- education
- health professions
WGU has always been committed to flexible, competency-based online education. That makes it perfect for working adults, and 88% of students at the school are 25 or older.
5. Charter Oak State College
Charter Oak State College is a public online college based in New Britain, Connecticut. It offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs.
Programs are available in areas of study like:
- business
- health professions
- criminal justice
- law
The college offers college credit for military training and corporate and workforce training, meaning students can earn credit for job experience. Currently, 87% of students are over age 25.
6. Colorado State University Global
Colorado Stae University Global is the online branch of the public Colorado State University. It offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs.
Students can study fields such as:
- business
- computer science
- education
- health professions
CSU Global enrolls nearly 10,000 students, and 87% are age 25 or older. It was the first 100% online, fully accredited public university in the country.
7. Excelsior University
Excelsior University is a private online university in Albany, New York. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's programs.
Programs are available in areas of study like:
- business
- engineering
- health professions
- liberal arts
The average student age at Excelsior is 35.4 years old. The largest demographic is students aged 30-39, but the university enrolls 200 students over age 60. In total, 86% of students are over age 25.
8. Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University is a private evangelical Christian university based in Marion, Indiana. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.
Students can study fields such as:
- business
- education
- health professions
- public administration
The university's IWU National and Global branch is specifically geared toward online learners and does not have a college application age limit. It enrolls over 8,000 adult students, 85% of whom are 25 or older.
9. UMass Global
UMass Global is a private, online university affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as online certificate programs.
Programs are available in areas of study like:
- business
- education
- health professions
- social sciences
UMass Global was designed for adults with busy lives. The average student age is 36 and 85% of students are over the age of 25.
10. Metropolitan College of New York
Metropolitan College of New York is a private college in New York City. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees on campus.
Students can study fields such as:
- business
- education
- human services
- public administration
The college offers accelerated programs that allow students to work full-time while attending school. 83% of the student body is over age 25.
Apply With No College Application Age Limit
There is no college application age limit, so students of all ages can apply to college. Check out the adult-focused schools above and find the perfect program today.
