40-something going to college?

[ElizK]

I just got the FAFSA stuff back on my daughter, who is a senior in high school this year. (She is going to take a dual enrollment English class.) She qualified for quite a bit of aid, and now I'm seriously considering taking some classes, particularly if I qualify for aid, too.

I never went to college. got an MRS degree instead, if you know what I mean. (married at 19, been married 21 years now).

Anyone else done this? any words of wisdom?

 

[LoraJ]

I'm 40 and I have been taking classes working towards my degree. I have been doing the classes online. So far it has been going well except I am feeling really overwhelmed this quarter. In a 10 week period I have 7 papers, 10 essays, 5 quizzes, 10 homework projects, not to mention all the reading and the discussions online that I must participate in. I do not think I will take more than 1 class in the summer again. All that work is for two classes. I work full time, but I do not have kids. I really have to be disciplined to get everything done.

 

[Belle Ella]

Sending you all the best if you do officially decide to start taking classes. It's a big step! My mom actually just registered today to go to college for the first time and she just turned 48 this week.

 

[suejai]

I say go for it

I was considering going back and getting my Master's and I am 47. But in the end I have decided to go and take a year long certificate in Building Design.

There are lots of stories about people going back to school in their 40's and doing very well.

What are you thinking of taking?

 

[ElizK]

I appreciate everyone's encouragement! I'm excited and more than a bit nervous. It's been more than 20 years since I did math!

Not sure what direction I will end up going in. I have always wanted to teach, and I am also interested in doing ultrasounds/xrays/MRIs, etc.

I'm hoping to do the online stuff, too. And hoping I'm disciplined enough to actually do it!!

 

[Imzadi]

Go do it! I used to teach art at community colleges. There were lots of older adults. There's not the stigma that there was back in the day. Kids are so much looser now, you'll fit right in.

Check to see if you qualify for any Life Experience credits. It may be called something else. Some colleges offer it, depending on the major and if you did some kind of work or projects, or volunteering that may qualify you for some "in the field" credits.

Also, you do not have to take a full time course load. You can go part time and ease into it the first semester.

 

[All American]

Give it a shot! I really enjoyed having people in my classes who were in their 40's and 50's. They usually had interesting perspectives and insights we youngin's lacked. I enjoyed their comments and learned a lot from them.

ETA: The above was my perspective as a 20-year-old. As for you, I think it's a great opportunity and is something you can be proud of yourself for doing.

 

[holycow]

Go for it!

I felt so good after going back and getting my AA now I'm ready to move on and get my BA.

Good luck!

 

[LadyZolt]

I appreciate everyone's encouragement! I'm excited and more than a bit nervous. It's been more than 20 years since I did math!

I'm with ya -- I joined the Navy at 18, got married at 22 and took a few classes here and there over the years when I could. But in 2004, my DH convinced me to finish my degree, so I enrolled full time at the university. It was a challenge, but it was also a lot of fun. I'm still friends with several of the young people I met in my classes. I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in creative writing (do not major in this if you need a job - LOL!) in December of 2007.

I was also very worried about taking math. I took the placement test and of course got placed in a high school level class, but that worked out well and was a nice refresher so that I was then able to take the required college level math classes. Stuff that was hard to learn when I was 14 or 15 was easy peasy at 40-something. LOL! So, I hope that will encourage you.

Good luck and have a great time with your education!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt) (summa cum laude at 45 years old!)

 

[LKHomemail]

yes, i'd say go. there are windows in life and if you don't go now , then it probably won't happen. figure out what career you want and go for it. find something you enjoy. you will probably be in the work force for a good twenty more years. pick something you love for the next part of your life.

 

[wdwiala]

Go for it! I am 35 and just got back my FAFSA letter from the school today! It will almost pay for my first semester. I see it as a positive sign that this is what I'm meant to be doing.
My kids are old enough that I have a little more freedom. My goal is to do this and be open to a new (additional) path in my life. That way, when the kids graduate and move away, I won't be sitting around wondering "What do I do now"?
It all feels a little strange so far but I am very exited for school to start. Almost as exited as my kids are! I will start out with 3 out of my 4 classes being telecourses. That way I can get my life in line for when I will be in class all week- in the Spring.
Look into it and have a great time!

 

[browneyes106]

Go for it. I know three people in their 40's that are attending college.

 

[AshleyW]

Do it! My mom registered for classes on her 40th birthday. She had an associate of nursing, and originally she just wanted to do 2 years and get her bachelor's in nursing. After doing that, she decided it wasn't good enough and she JUST (within the past month) graduated with her MSN at 45 years old and is considering doing another year of school to be an ARNP. It was hard for her at times, but now I'm (and everyone else in our family!) so proud of her for doing it.

 

[alexandria674]

I say go for it!

 

[Cindy B]

I'm 38 and just got my Bachelors degree this year. My DH is 46 (almost 47) and is in school as well. DH loves school and did very well.

Depending on the field, I will say go for it. Some majors look great on paper, but actually it is very difficult to get a job (in my case it was a teaching degree! but YMMV)

 

[golfgal]

My Grandpa went back to school when he retired and graduated at the age of 68. He continued to take classes until he was 85. It was wonderful for him. He ended up doing a lot of their elderhostl programs and traveled all over the world.

Many state schools have special tuition rates for non-traditional students too. I know that he only paid a minimal amount, like $15/credit, as a senior citizen.

In our area ultrasound techs start at about $60,000/year so not a bad choice if you go that route. Compare that to a teacher that starts at about $30K/year.

 

[WDWBarb]

I graduated with my Bachelor's degree at 29 and remember the term "non-traditional student" very well. In fact, during enrollment, I was standing in line with a bunch of young people and when it came my turn to register the lady asked my birth date. Just as I was getting ready to say it, she looked up and me and said, "Oh, it's ok if you just want to whisper it."



I remember being so surprised that education was considered something only worthy of the young. I've seen it wasted on the young (and admit to that myself) and really took my education seriously because I was older. I'm now 40 and would love to get my Master's. The only thing stopping me is the cost - any extra money I have goes towards DD's college fund. Once she's in school and it's paid for, I'm going for it!

An education is a life-long process, IMHO!

 

[NewCrew42]

One of my 40 something friends just graduated! Go for it!

 

[CarolinaBlue]

I started back to college last year at the age of 42. I had my doubts at first...I mean, a 42-year-old taking Chemistry for the very first time? I aced that class (99.1) and all the others that I was taking and was recently accepted into the Veterinary Technology program. I start in two weeks. I will be 45 when I graduate, but I'm doing something that I have always wanted to do. I say go for it!

 

[ElizK]

WOW! I can't tell you what everyone's encouragement means to me. Really! I will call one of the area colleges today to set up an appt with a counselor.

One of my friends suggested I start in a 4year college rather than transferring because the financial aid is more available to non-transfer students. Good advice?

Do it! My mom registered for classes on her 40th birthday. She had an associate of nursing, and originally she just wanted to do 2 years and get her bachelor's in nursing. After doing that, she decided it wasn't good enough and she JUST (within the past month) graduated with her MSN at 45 years old and is considering doing another year of school to be an ARNP. It was hard for her at times, but now I'm (and everyone else in our family!) so proud of her for doing it.

Today is my 41st birthday!