If you’re thinking about going back to school at 30 but think you’re too, old–think again. You’re never too old for education, and if today’s world has taught us anything, it’s that life can change in an instant. The willingness to learn new skills, adapt, and be flexible are life-long qualities that are immensely valuable in a fast-paced workforce.
And that ever-changing workforce also means an ever-changing college population. Over time, the age of students heading back to school has steadily increased. In fact, according to EducationData.org, 9.3% of adult students enrolled in college are over the age of 30. Education is for everyone, and if you’re an adult learner 30 or older, here are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros of Going to School at 30
First things first: the pros. Every situation will be different and you need to consider your own personal circumstances in life, along with your other commitments, resources, and abilities at this stage in your life, but in general, here are some of the pros you can expect to find when going back to school at 30 or older.
Cons of Going Back to School at 30
While there are clearly a lot of positives to going back to school, depending on your goals, there are also some important factors to take into consideration before making such a big decision.
Online Education and Adult Learners
If you do decide to make the decision to go back to school, the good news is that you have more choices than ever for attaining your educational goals. Online school is extremely prevalent and for adult learners, it may present the most realistic option to be able to go back to school.
Online school allows you to have more flexible class times, the ability to study and interact on your own time and is conducive to your life if you have other commitments, like a job or family. Some programs also allow you to do a hybrid mix of in-person and online learning, so you can choose an option that works for you.
No matter which type of education you choose, know that you are making the right choice for you as you reach for your goals in your 30s–and beyond.