What percentage of college students are over 50?

Asked by: Mr. Vito Dooley  |  Last update: November 3, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (12 votes)

2.18% of all enrolled students are aged 50 and over. Students enrolled in Fall 2022 were 10.5% more likely to be between the ages of 18 and 24 than students enrolled in Fall 2005.

What percentage of college students are older?

Adult Learners in Higher Education: Facts & Statistics About Older College Students. Students older than 25 accounted for 23% of the undergraduate students who enrolled in the U.S. in fall 2022.

What is the average age of college seniors?

With a bachelor's degree taking as long as six years to complete, and the average student being 26 years old currently, a normal age range to finish college is between 23 and 29.

Is 51 too old to go back to college?

There's not an age limit on college anymore. As long as you have the time and dedication to pursue a degree, nothing can stop you from getting a higher education. Don't feel discouraged because of your age.

Is it worth going back to college at 50?

In conclusion, while obtaining a bachelor's degree at 50 may seem unconventional, it can have many personal and professional benefits. It can provide a sense of fulfillment, increase job opportunities and earning potential, and serve as a positive example for others.

College at age 50 am I too old

22 related questions found

How many 50 year olds go to college?

People aged 50 to 64, make up 1.92% of all enrolled students. 2.18% of all enrolled students are aged 50 and over. Students enrolled in Fall 2022 were 10.5% more likely to be between the ages of 18 and 24 than students enrolled in Fall 2005.

What is the best degree for someone over 50?

Two of the most promising generalist degrees for older adults are:
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA): The MBA is an ever-popular degree for people looking to work their way up to leadership roles. ...
  • Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA): Healthcare is rapidly changing.

Is 55 too old to start college?

No, 55 is not too old for college. Attending a college or university and earning a degree comes with no age limit. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 500,000 postsecondary students were aged 50 to 64 in the fall of 2021.

Is it worth it to get a Masters at 50?

Overall, the age of 50 is not too old to get a master's degree, and it can be a very worthwhile investment.

How to go back to college at 55?

Consider an Online University

Rather than having to travel to a campus at specific times, online bachelor's degree programs and online graduate degree programs allow you to manage your course load in a way that fits your busy life. You can study from home and attend to coursework at times that work best for you.

What is the most educated race in the United States?

Asian Americans had the highest educational attainment of any race, followed by whites who had a higher percentage of high school graduates but a lower percentage of college graduates. Persons identifying as Hispanic or Latino, without regard to race, had the lowest educational attainment.

Is 70 too old for college?

College doesn't have age limits, and it's okay to go back to school at any age, even 70. There may be many good reasons for getting your degree or taking classes as an older adult.

How old are college seniors usually?

So it can really vary based on individual circumstances. But all in all, the average age for college seniors to graduate is about 22 years old.

Is college age population declining?

The number of 18-year-old high school graduates will peak in 2025 at around 3.9 million, the report projects, followed by a 15-year decline. By 2041, the number of traditional-age incoming college students will be down 13 percent. That harsh new reality could be a shock for many higher ed institutions.

What is the average education level in America?

Education Level Statistics

93.3% of 20- to 24-year-old Americans are high school graduates; 25.9% have college degrees (associate's or higher). Among Americans aged 65 years and older, 89.6% are high school graduates; 42.6% have college degrees (associate's or higher).

Is 54 too old to go back to college?

College has no age limits, so you are never too old to enroll in classes or obtain your degree. In fact, adults of all ages are returning to school in greater numbers. A growing percentage of students working toward their bachelor's degree are over the age of 40.

At what age do most people finish their masters?

But what is the average age of all of these students? Research done by the Council of Graduate Schools suggests that the average age for all graduate students in the U.S. is 33. The same study indicates that notable percentages of students in graduate programs are over the ages of 40 and 50.

Which course is best after 50 years of age?

An online nursing program can be the ideal career choice even if you are 50 years old. Many colleges offer online nursing programs. Although nursing programs do require completion of an internship in a healthcare setting, most of the courses can be completed online.

Is college free after 55?

California State Universities.

Residents over the age of 60 receive free tuition and reduced fees when space is available.

Is it worth going back to college at 60?

Is it worth going back to school at 60? There are several benefits to going back to school at 60, including the advantage of having real-world experience and a unique perspective in the classroom. Seniors can also get discounts on courses, allowing them to gain academic experience and credentials for less money.

Is 55 too old to become a nurse?

You may often find nurses practicing well into their 40s and 50s, with the estimated median age for RNs being 46 years, according to a national nursing workforce survey. Additionally, in 2022, 55 years or older nurses made up 31% of the entire RN workforce as well as 30% of the LPN workforce.

What is the number one easiest degree to get?

10 Easiest College Majors for 2025
  • Psychology. ...
  • Accounting. ...
  • Nursing. ...
  • Finance. ...
  • Economics. ...
  • Healthcare Administration. ...
  • Logistics. ...
  • Marketing. A marketing degree may come as an easy pursuit for individuals with creative and communication skills.

Is 52 too old for college?

There is no oldest age to start college. Colleges in the United States generally do not have any sort of age limit. They have many programs and courses designed specifically for older students.

What job for a 55 year old woman?

The top 10 careers for women over 50 include real estate agent, financial advisor, nurse, occupational therapist, personal trainer, curriculum developer, tutor, freelance writer, personal chef, and councelor.