Average Student Age on the Rise
The average student age in the U.S. has been climbing steadily in recent years. At both Harvard and Notre Dame the average age is now 27. The University of Phoenix, which offers both online and traditional degree programs, has an average student age of 35-37. On a larger scale thirty-eight percent of all college students are now 25 or older, according to a recent U.S Census Bureau report. So why has the average age been trending upward? There are several factors that have contributed to a more mature scholar.
Cost of Education: It’s no secret the cost of education has soared in recent years at a rate far greater than inflation. Tuition and fees at private four-year colleges have increased nearly tenfold in the past three decades. As a result many would-be students are electing to enter the workforce or military beforehand to help pay for their education.
Longer life expectancy: Fifty years ago the average life expectancy in the U.S. was 69.9. Today that figure is 78.1 (Japan is at 82.1). Longer life means more time in the workforce, and thus, more education needed to adapt to the changing environment.
Online Option: Online education provides the flexibility needed to make learning possible for adult students who would otherwise be unable to further their education. Of the University of Phoenix’s 400,000 students enrolled, 300,000 are online degree seekers.
More Grads: A graduate degree today is equivalent to a bachelors degree yesterday. The growing need for an MBA to help career advancement has led many back to the classroom. And when you consider the U.S. population is over 300 million that’s a whole lot of students knocking on that graduate door.
Baby Boomer Effect: With 401K plans devalued and social security only paying a fraction of the cost of living many baby boomers are in need of an educational overhaul. Versatility is the name of the game these days, and having a broad set of skill sets is required to secure and maintain employment.
Unemployment Benefits: With the unemployment rate at 9.4%, the highest it’s been in twenty-six years, more people are taking refuge in the classroom. The Workforce Investment Act, which is a government-funded program with the goal of providing adults with the money needed for the education, skills, and training they need to get and retain jobs, is being utilized more than ever before.
So if you’re feeling like you’re too old to go back to school, think again, the numbers are actually in your favor. So put down those oatmeal cookies and join me. I’ll even save a seat for ya.
Click here to view over 3000 online degrees at over 280 online colleges and earn your online degree on your own time and your own pace.
ScholarshipPoints code: AVGAGEUP
This blog is sponsored in part by:
(7 votes, average: 4.57 out of 5)
Loading ...
i think that it is good that people still want to get an education. i just hope that it won’t take me long to get mine.
I don’t think it matters what age someone is when they get a higher education. It helps everyone further their careers and do what they really want to do. Even older people going back to finish or get another degree can be an example for the less dedicated of the younger generations.
I think it is never too late for an education. Not everyone was put in a position where that was an option for them so if you can better yourself and get an education, that’s great.
I see it more and more diversity in my own classes. A graduate education goes a long way for people hoping to get into the educaiton field.
i think we need people who are young so they can work a longer period of time so we should try to put younger people in school
intesting
This is so TRUE!!! I say this because I am one of the “age-up” students. Just finished my Bachelors and starting my Masters this fall. I’m so excited.
GO AGE-UP !!!!!!
Forgot to say – I’m 52 years young.
WOW! You’re not kidding. That guy looks 1000 years old. In fact he looks like he might start doing cave drawings at any moment!!!
Wow thats crazy, yes colleges are too expensive now a days….but seeing older people also is crazy.
I believe that one who wants to higher their education, whether young or elderly, should have the opportunity to do so. =)
I think It’s just to hard to get by these days without an education!
EDUCATION IS FOR ANYONE WHO IS WILLING TO MAKE A BETTER PERSON AND A BETTER LIFE FOR THEMSELVES. Education knows no boundaries. only those who are not willing to broaden their horizons set up all those boundaries.
It does not matter what age you are if you are looking for an education. It’s a way of bettering yourself.
Great information to share with friends.
I personally think that the average age is up becuase now there are no excuses. Before you could simply say I have a family and I can’t work to provide for them and educate myself more. There is more flexibility now when it comes to higher education.
I think its great that people are going back to get an education. I think everyone deserves to better their life and do something they want to do with their life.
Muy cierto este documento… Por esa razón es que estoy estudiando mi maestría…
wow, that is very informative!
Not surprised! With the economy in crisis, many people need to go back to school to be able to compete for a new position.
With the economic situation we are in, a degree is needed to have any success in life
Getting a higher education will provide for a better job with a higher income.
Thats right education cost has soared! Lets fix that!
education is the key of success.
If anyone wants to find happiness in life, they have to keep studying.
I really think that everyone these days need another education
There does seem to be a rise in the age of my classmates. It seems to be the perfect time to make yourself more marketable.
I know for my parents, going to college wasn’t as important when they were 18 in order to find a career. Now a days, you’re not guaranteed a job at all without a college diploma. So now, all of the people of my parents’ generation are going back to school in order to just find a job.
the game is on and students are definitely stepping up there game
What I think is that education is everything in life if you want to live happy you need an education a good job a family ,and money to live on.
Yes…..since I’m going back to school this spring (2010), insha’Allah, I can see the age of college students rising!
Lots of kids are going to schools these days.
I am an age-up student…39, and it is so much better now than before! Different mindset, I actually WANT to be in school now.
Ages are really rising up but an education is all that matters and I plan to get my chance as soon as possible but not so late
wow, very nice information. In my country is not like that.
alot of kids are going to school these days
it seems like everyone HAS to go to now in order to make someting out of their selves
i think that alot more kids are attempting to go to school these days!
I think that alot more kids these days think it’s a good idea to go to school instead of not doing anything.
People often ask me why I continue to attend school when it costs so much and I’ll be tens of thousands of dollars in debt, and I simply reply “knowledge is power” and no some of money is to expensive for that.
Sounds like me and my situation
Wow! This website was very helpful to give me more insight to the baby boomer effect and many facts of graduated students. I feel more motivated to get a good education and a better job in the future.
[...] we reported in August the Average Student Age is on the Rise for a lot of reasons, but why do older students excel? Part of the reason is that tests are geared [...]
im interested!!
it doesnt seem like a big issue the fact that people want to still learn after they dont have to is amazing i firmly believe that education should never have a time limit i personlly will become a career student having my own business while holding several degrees
when more people learn it helps evloution and im all for evolving
That’s very interesting. I’m 25 and returning school this month. Reading this gives me a lot more confidence in persuing my education.
i’m very interested in this. i think it’s just hard in general for anyone to pay for college so they have to work before they go.
yeah I know a grandmother of 2 back in school
in these days, the economy is in a recession and some people argue it’s going to stay there for a while, with an education i can get a good job, which means “money”, which also means “better quality of life”. this is important to all human beings and the only legal way you can achieve it is with an education.
Well , life is getting harder and the general public is coming to a realization that an education is nessary to get and mantain a descent job. Therefor with the economic reccession now I wouldnt be suprised if there will be rise or patern.
It is definitely a great thing that all different ages are looking for a higher education; it may mean the younger generation has to fight for more jobs – but this will bring out the best in everytone!
I’m one of those babyboomers heading back to school. Love the experience of learning and contributing to our society.
Thanks for the writeup.
It is hard to go back to college when you get older. Lots of peolpe go back to get a better job OR finish up there degree.
It doesnt matter the age of the student as long as they are commited to their education.
It might be harder now because of our economic situation, but if ur serious … there is no limit to your education.
THE AGE DOESNT MATTER WHAT MATTERS IS THE EFFORT MADE.
I would encourage anyone to to back to school. Yes, the cost is crazy and unemployment is high but if you are going to pursue your passion then I think it it worth it. I am about to graduate and I am going to pursue a certificate in Public Health as well as obtaining my MPH. I know my passion is to help people, especially our youth and I belive that me pursing my passion will all be worth it in the end.
wow!!thats deep and sounds a little like my situation also….
I don’t think age matters in fact i think its better to wait a little bit because nobody has it all figured out when they graduate high school. i think waiting a year or two will help give you a better understanding of yourself and what you will be happy doing for the rest of your life.
With the unemployment rate so high. I don’t alot of people have any other choice. I think it is wonderful everyone can benefit from more education.
I have noticed more and more older people in my classes…
I want to go to college right away so that I can get into the field of education. I will need help financially, but it will be well worth it when I can be responsible for my own students.
INTERESTING. IT IS IMPORTANT TO WORK HARD IN LICE
I hope to be a lifelong learner. It only makes sense to keep learning, making things fresh.
education is good no matter what age its accomplished!
education is for everyone and anyone willing to take the time and effort. My hand goes to those older and going back to school. go guys
Agreed!
I thought it was too late to go school in your mid 30’s, I was wrong; it’s never too late.
No matter if you are 18 or 68 everyone deserves a chance to get the education needed to pursue the career of their dreams or choice. But, you have to be willing to get your education that you need.
I’m surprised that the author didn’t mention how having a college degree is becoming mandatory in most fields. Another point about the rise of age is that as a result of the economy many people have to reevaluate their lives and careers. People are being force to change careers therefore they need to go back to school to learn a new trade.
I agree with the rises in the cost of education. Inflation has really taken a toll on people lately. Especially with school. There are so many people out there that deserve, and need a college education, but can’t afford it. Education should be a privledge, not a luxury.
My grandma (53) has recently enrolled and next year we’ll be attending the same college! So I guess there aint no party like my grandmas tea party! ha
u know i already knew most of those points but to actually think that the average college aged person is that high is surprisingly shocking to me. I guess im just used to all the stereotipical movies…
interesting indeed,however its sad that we are sheltering from unemployment in the classroom!!
it’ll be tough to move in life without an education
I totally understand why the average age is increasing. People are having more opportunities to go back to college and earn degrees. Some people simply want to go back and learn, and since a lot of older people have extra time, they find it’s the best time to go back to school.
I’m falling right into this category, I’m still very nervous about finding scholarships for Graduate school
Higher education leads to better lifestyle and standard of living.
education is important through out our entire lives
It’s never to late I’m 49.
it’s good to see older folks going to school.
I am grateful that the education stay available for anybody who needs a second or third chance in life
I’m 57 and just finishing up my first semester. Nothing like going back to school to wipe away all the cobwebs that have collected over the years.Not to mention the great shape I’m getting into chasing all the younglings around. It’s great….probably having the best time of my life and keeping my grades up too.
This information is so true. And the more school you go through, the more successful you may become and the more likely you are to land a better job and have a better standard of living.
i think this is interesting for the fact that without a college degree of any kind it is difficult to get any kind of job and be successful.
wow super interesting
great information
Leave your comments
Top Online Schools
Online Education Blog Categories
Tags
Archives
Pages
Blogroll
Recent Posts
Most Views
Recent Comments
This blog is a service of Edvisors, an online education company. Copyright 1998 - 2009 Edvisors. All rights reserved.
1250 Hancock Street, Suite 703N, Quincy, MA 02169
Learn more about our services:
Student loans, including federal student loans and private student loans, online degrees, student credit cards, free college scholarships, FAFSA help, and other services.
Want to advertise with us? Learn more about advertising opportunities.