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. 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.