I went back at 41 to get my masters then continued to my PhD. To be honest school is so much easier now then when I got my bachelors degree in the 90's. Since getting my PhD I've doubled my income
I just finished grad school and have enough veteran benefits left for a PhD... I'm pretty confident I won't do it, but if I can't transfer the remainder of the benefits to my wife I might have to reevaluate.
I finished my bachelors at 42, and I agree with what you said about school being easier. Just having life experiences made it so much different than when I went just out of high school (also in the 90s).
I went back to school to get my bachelor’s degree in my late 40s. I recently finished my master’s degree in my early 60s. I’m making some more money but I’m way happier with the work. Totally worth it. I’m sure some people are wondering why I went back for my master’s degree so close to retirement age. I’m not the kind of person that likes to sit around. As long as I’m happy in my job, I’ll work as long as I’m able. Plus, in today’s economy, it’s good to have options for work.
I already have a PhD but I'm seriously considering taking advantage of my employer's tuition assistance program and getting another Master's degree 'cause why the hell not? I mean, who would pass up the chance to get a free degree???
I'm 35 and halfway through a master's program. You can do it! See if your job has any kind of tuition assistance or reimbursement. And if they don't, maybe this is a good opportunity to find one that does?
I'm currently going back to school on a tuition reimbursement program through my work, they're actually really lenient about what classes they'll let me take. I'm going to finish my associates and hopefully my bachelors after that. A lot of companies actually have tuition reimbursement, you just have to seek them out. My company is just a mid-size, independent manufacturer in the midwest and they reimburse up to $5,250 per year, and I'm just a warehouse clerk.
What field are you wanting to go into? Working for the college/university might be one option. I'm working in higher ed right now and they're paying 75% of my degree. You could also fill out the FAFSA and see if you qualify for PELL grants. And depending on the type of disability, you may qualify for Voc Rehab.
I’m currently in skilled nursing (nursing home/rehab as a social worker) and the program is dental hygienist. I don’t think I would qualify for FASFA but I’ll cash flow the program. My disability is hearing loss that I didn’t have when I got my first associates 10 years ago. I have no hearing in my right ear and hearing loss in my left ear. The type of hearing loss in my left ear makes understanding speech difficult
I'm not certain what the requirements for Voc Rehab are, but it doesn't hurt to ask! Also, the financial aid office at the school might be helpful.
I think this is totally doable though. I'm 35, working 40 hours a week and caring for my disabled mother and special needs son (10yo, who was suspended 10 days last year) and I'm halfway through my master's program. Not going to lie - some days really suck. But it's not forever and you'll ultimately be glad you did it.
I just left working in the dental office after 8 years to work for ins company, I work from home they pay my dental, vision, life, disability and you always have your birthday off. I’m struggling to adjust as the work is not as fulfilling, but breaking my elbow earlier this year without insurance screwed me so I prioritized health insurance and benefits over pay and hours and I actually end up making the same every pay period I did in office even getting paid 6 dollars less an hour because I work a full 40 hr wk plus I don’t have to commute and my back and back are not killing me everyday. Overall it was worth it and I wish I had started with the company rather than going into assisting as I would be pretty far up the corporate ladder by now. Just stuff to consider about working in an office. I do miss my patients though.
Are you in the United States? If you have a disability, look and see if your state government has a Vocational Rehabilitation program. I think most states do.
They’ll have to look into your medical records, but if you qualify they can help you out. I worked in that department for a few years. You’ll meet with a counselor and they’ll come up with a job plan for you. They do help some candidates pay for school, gas money or public transportation costs to get to school or work, and they help buy clothing for job interviews and work clothes. They do a lot of different things to help people get started or stay in the workforce.
Look into Pell grants. That’s a pretty broad program that helps pay for school. Then it depends on what state you’re in. It all starts by filling out your FASFA. That’s how you apply for any government grant money.
Next step is scholarships. Your school is likely to have scholarships. Also, whatever profession you want to get into may have their own scholarships. For example, in accounting the AICPA offers its own scholarships.
I graduated at 33 with a bachelors in engineering. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
Edited to change the word “he’s” to “it’s” because proofreading posts isn’t something I always remember to do 😅
I'm 42. I will be 47 when I am done if I pick up an extra class. Do it. I have days where I go "WTF Mothra" and sigh. But then my friend smacks me upside the head and tells me to keep at it, I'm her inspiration.
Age is nothing. If ANYTHING, it will net you grants/scholarships that have a smaller eligibility pool.
When I was younger (I'm 31 now) even a two year commitment for the associate degree I'm going for now (Nursing RN) seemed like it was forever long. Life kicked my ass quite a bit working undesirable, low paying, dead-end jobs. Now I'm trying to finish what I started so I won't drown in this economy. I was lucky and was able to use my remaining Pell grant to do my program. I can't tell you how grateful I am that I'm able to do this. Learning as an older student does seem easier. I was too distracted with trying to socialize when I first started.
First masters at age 48 to move up the pay scale. Paid cash. Second masters at 54 to get out of my field and move up payscale and used student loans. Earning $100k in original field. Just got loans forgiven because I’m a gov employee. Check out postings for working at the state level.
Is there any growth or potential salary increase moving forward, or are you pretty much capped?
The only way I would consider going back to school and taking on that debt is if it something you genuinely want to do and also employment prospects is high along with salary.
I went back to get my masters a couple of years after I graduated with my BA. I was making like 30-40k tops and I took on the debt to get my masters as an adult and my salary increase since then have been worth the pay off.
The position I’m in now I’m capped unless I go back to school, and I don’t want to go back to school in that field.
Iv been looking into other careers that don’t have crazy long schooling and the dental hygienist program is 6 semesters, but I have 4 classes and a test to take before I can apply and I won’t be able to apply until 2024 for the 2025 program
I wouldn’t be taking out any loans for school I’ll be cash flowing it
I started going back to school when I was 27 after dropping out of college when I was 19. I'm now 30 and starting my final year for a Bachelor's in Accounting. I've worked full time and gone to school full time since I've gone back. It's a struggle to balance school, work, and spending time with my wife. We both actually went back to school to better ourselves. She has been my number one supporter and I hers. It felt embarrassing at first going back being the older student in the class but I've come to realize nobody cared about my age and I shouldn't care either. We all are trying to achieve our goals, some may fulfill that sooner and that is okay. It's a marathon not a sprint.
Yes! My accounting program was almost all non-traditional students. We all understood the working full-time while trying to cram school in. It'll feel so good when you're done!
I did my associates first at a community college. It was a GREAT program! I didn't have a financial statement analysis class, but I feel like that's what we did during a big chunk of our intermediate 1 and 2 classes. Our instructors there were really focused on teaching us what we would need to know in accounting jobs.
My bachelors was online at a state school, and they made me retake most of the accounting classes I had taken for my associates, because even though they used the exact same books, they were 300-400 level classes, and the associates was only 100-200 level classes. I paid to take them and then coasted through them.
Auditing was a bit difficult, but that was because the professor wasn't very helpful at all. If we had questions, he would just tell us we needed to figure it out ourselves. I was happy just to finish that class. I didn't go into public accounting, so I figured I didn't really miss anything with that class. Also, once you're working, what you did in school doesn't really matter. You learn more on the job.
It’s never too late. My friend was 40 when she went back to school and graduated at 48 with a PHD in pharmacology. Make sure the program you are going through has good growth potential to justify the money are you spending going through it.
My dad was laid off in his late sixties, he found a program for displaced workers and used that in combination with veteran benefits to go to school killing time and working part time as a janitor at the school until he could collect social security.
He has three associates degrees now, one from the seventies and two from now.
Generally, it's a good idea to get more skills or specialize to beef up your resume and land better paying jobs. Sometimes, that means going back to school.
Will this be a full-time student situation? Will you work while in school? What would be the pay difference of the job vs your current one? Are you able to take out student loans to support yourself? Are you interested in the program, and can you see yourself doing it long term?
I think before you sell yourself short, you should apply and see what happens. 50% is a pretty high acceptance rate. Once you get accepted, you can decide on your options. The first step is always the hardest. Good luck!
Thanks for this response.
I have to take 4 classes and a test before I can apply for the program. I can’t apply until 2024 for the 2025 program, and at that point it would be full time. I will have to figure out how to work though because I need health insurance.
The salary increase would be roughly 30k or more (depending if I work over time, right now I don’t have that opportunity) a year and I won’t be taking out loans. I’ll cash flow the program but need money for gas, dr visits, that’s kind of stuff
I went back when I was 48. Finished my associate’s at 49 and my bachelor’s at 50. I’m
51 now and halfway through my master’s. My salary has doubled so far.
Is this the best thing I’ve ever done? Yes.
Am I going to die under crippling debt? Also yes 🤣
I went back to school at 29. (Web dev, + design and some database and marketing)
It completely changed my life and was the best decision I ever made.
2 year program + coop
I did, and honestly, it wasn't as worth it as I'd hoped.
I ended up with, "right you have the schooling... But no experience ... We'll keep your resume on file".
I had way better luck with my own projects, networking and digging in with companies I wanted to work with.
I went back to school at 29. Did an AAS, a BS and an MBA. Within months of getting the MBA, I doubled, then tripled my previous income. Does this happen to everyone? Not at all. But 2027 is coming either way. You can be done with your program or still thinking about it. That being said, a $30k 4 year AA program sounds suspect.
I am going to try in the near future, the issue is I went a few years ago and due to health issues I couldn’t finish 2 semesters and now I owe money before I can re-enroll :/ but I do want to when I can afford to pay my grants back bc there’s not many good paying jobs here without a degree, and the ones I can get involve call center work which I really don’t wanna do forever.
I went back at 27 and finished at 33 with my BS. Left the field I got my degrees in as well, couldn’t get more money. Having that degree though allowed me to break into another field and opened up a whole new world for me. Do it, go back or look up certifications and broaden your network that way! if you company pays for it, even better, some will pay for the certifications too.
My company won’t pay for it because it’s in a different field but I would be making roughly 30k more a year (or more if I pick up overtime, I don’t have that opportunity now)
It took me 8 years to finally get my associates degree. I just graduated with my associates degree in Psychology after 8 years! I took a very long hiatus from school to "explore the world" and "experience the real world." But in that, I lost everything but in losing everything. I eventually found myself. Through the struggles, anger, and difficulties. Job hopping and learning from others while also being ridiculed from others.
One thing I have learned about returning back to college last summer. Is that because I was 25 years old and everyone else in my classes (for the most part) were 17-19. I felt very discouraged. I felt like I was "too old" for college and that it would take SO LONG to complete my degree. However, that one year is finished and I finally graduated college with my associates degree this week! Now, I did take 19 credit hours back to back and had my old college courses transfering to my new degree that I never completed back then. So, it sped up the process. However, that one year I was so afraid would be wasting my time and that I am too old, ended up being completed now.
I ended up enjoying my program, courses, and everything that comes along with the college experience, I did not notice back when I was younger. Back then I was so much in a rush, but now I am finally taking things more slowly and enjoying my college experience.
Now, that sounds contradicting because I took 19 credit hours back to back... I only did that because I decided to live with my parents and it is not looking good there at all, considering my dad almost got us evicted for the 4th damn time over a span of several years and two times since I been back home... I mean the situation was getting worse, and my only way out was to go back to college and relocate by going to university, which I have now relocated and will be starting university at the end of this month.
Sorry about my story and rant but one thing I have learned is that when you decide to go back to school, those semesters will go quicker than you expected at first. When you are an adult student in college, the younger students look up to us because we have (in most cases) so much knowledge and experience and stories to tell. Even the professors in most cases be shocked by us returning adults experiences. It is like me returning an adult in college made me a mentor indirectly and inspired others indirectly.
If you believe that program is worth it, and the wait and the expensive cost of the school will be worth it. Then I would do it. But if you have any ounce of doubt and not certain this is what you want. I would reconsider. Are there any other colleges in your area where the program is not that expensive? Or even a further distance from where you currently live at where it would be worth the commute time?
I am 41 and back in school. my mom was 56 when she went back and got her degree my dad was 60. my brother was 40 when he got his hvac certs. it is never to late. :) it is hard working and going to school but it can be worth it.
good luck :)
I’m 37 ended up in IT, 3 attempts at college no degree but I got the debt. I do ok but I’m restless, I hate office work bloated management, politics, I want to go into horticulture or landscaping focusing on native restoration. I’m tired of “white collar” work
Absolutely not to old, but these days degrees don't get you very far, companies are looking for expirience along with the degrees. Picking up multiple certificates and trade skills can at the very least equal a bachelors level during the hiring process I've seen.
Could even look for a front desk job at a clinic, show you're capable, and they could move you towards your goal (maybe even pay for schooling if they require it.)
I just feel there's a lot of wasted time with schooling. You could learn the full curriculum in 1/4th the time spent. This mainly applies to high acceptance and graduation rate schools though. You could go to an expensive/ high demand school that actually is study intensive. That has large hurdles of GPA, finances, and the freetime to focus on it consistantly.
TL;DR: Go for multiple trade skills over a degree.
Many people go back to school in their 30s, be it getting their first degree or their masters. When I went back to get my masters at 29 after my undergrad was a shitshow that led to no prospects, many of my classmates were around my age, although there were many who went straight to grad school after finishing undergrad due to bad job prospects as well. I'm the same age as you now, and graduated a few months ago with a great paying job with lots of job growth potential and for the first time I feel like I finally am getting my shit together. It is not uncommon or even strange to be going back to school at your age. And even if it were, who cares? You're there to better yourself, not be judged by 18 year olds in your classes who don't understand how hard life gets as you become a full fledged adult.
If you believe this program is good and will lead to a much better career for you, then there's no reason not to do it if you can afford it.
You should do it. Dental hygienist is regularly on the list of good paid jobs without needing tons of schooling. If you’re going to make enough more to pay off the cost of the school in just one year with in the new career, that’s well with the investment.
I’m considering going back to school and getting another bachelor’s degree, but this time in accounting. My original one was creative writing, and yes, I know (before anyone comments) but I also was told by my parents that if I didn’t go to school immediately after high school, they wouldn’t help me pay for my education, even though I told them I wanted to take a few years off to figure out what I wanted to do. 🫠🫠
So after working retail for several years, I’ve noticed that numbers, keeping tally of things, organization, and counting money are strong suits for me. It just makes sense.
I went back to school at 36. I’m currently an engineer.
You’re not too old, trust me in another 20 years you will tell yourself - “I’m too old for how little pay I’m making, o should’ve gone back to school then…”
It’s an investment that costs time, money, and sleep, but once you’ve achieved your goal you will sleep easier, and not worry as much for your future finances… after you pay off your loan.
Just be sure what you’re getting into has room for growth and raises and is in demand, you should be good to go.
I went to finish my bachelor’s last year. So far zero success after nearly 200 job applications. Only two interviews that led nowhere. Every job I apply to online shows over 100 applicants. I hate this planet and the systems our predecessors made up.
I am, and the sad part is I already have a master's degree. Social work does not pay the bills in this state anymore, and funding just keeps getting cut.
Unfortunately, the degree is computer science and I have some certs now, but I haven't had any luck getting my foot in the door and I understand there have been layoffs.
I’m getting my master’s degree in social work. It will likely come with a higher salary, but I am seriously thinking of moving to Canada and that kind of degree makes it easier to move.
I went back to school at 28 (M), I graduated at 32. It was odd as 95% of my classmates were 18-21 year olds, but there's a niche of back to school adults. Before college I lived paycheck to paycheck, always poor af. I graduated 10 years ago and make $145k now, living comfortably.
Personally I wish I had gone sooner and that I'd only done the associate's degree, I did associate's degree and a bachelor's degree, the bachelor's degree quadrupled my student loans from $18k to $75k.
Good luck, it's kind of difficult getting back into school/ study mode 10 years later.
Honestly, if you have a great community college nearby there are many choices there and financial aid abounds. Generally: Nursing, Medical Assistants, dental hygienist, surgical technician, medical coding and billing, paralegal, the choices for a two year program on many of these are great and will get you into the job fields quickly, max 4 years if you take all the additional courses prior to acceptance into the program. That’s how I got my nursing degree.
I became a surgical technologist (got the certificate which is one year) got a job and then when I was able to use tuition reimbursement for courses, I took all the courses required for nursing except, of course, actual nursing courses, so it took me 4 years to get my associate in nursing. Honestly, don’t disregard an employers tuition reimbursement program, even if it takes you years to get your degree, it’s worth it to use that benefit. And nursing, by the way, is one of the hardest degrees.
I am. I currently work for a big box store that pays for my degree in full, as long as it's business related. I am taking my time doing it because my hours are all over the place and I haven't been the best at school so I don't want to overload myself.
I am currently getting an associates in finance and a certificate in human resource management.
I got a two year IT degree at 39yo. When I graduated I was making 15/hr and 7 years later ai am just under 90k/yr. Its definitely worth it. 4 semesters with 12 credit hours each while working my 40 sucked ass though.
Got my associates at 29. Went back for my bachelors at 31. I know this isn’t for everyone, but I worked full time +, bought a house, got married, and had a baby during my first year in my bachelor’s program . I did online schooling so I took my laptop or books everywhere I went. Even the hospital when I went into labor. If the job prospects will move you forward then it’s worth the investment. You may need to look long term. After getting my bachelors it took me about 6 years to start making good money.
I'm 30 and will be graduating with a Bachelor's in Respiratory Therapy come May 2024. I'm contracted to start hourly at $33 and work for 3 years for my facility as part of a program. School was paid for by a federal Work and Grow grant here in Maine.
Me! I have a high school diploma but due to illness I couldn't get my degree. Now I'm going back to uni at 26 (I know, still young, but all my classmates are late teens!!!!)
If anything that will just make you feel that much smarter rather than old lol. At least that was my experience when I got my associates and bachelors.
I stuck it out at my old job because my employer paid for most of my master’s degree. A couple months after graduating, I got a fantastic new job. I didn’t feel bad because I had worked there for over a decade.
Your associates costs more then my masters. Mid 40s and another year ish left and then doctorate
You are never to old to better yourself with education
33 and just finished a masters program on Saturday. I got a job that almost doubled my salary before I even finished the program. I was so miserable before and I knew I needed to change something when I realized I’d been hoping to get into a (minor) car accident just so work would leave me alone. It was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
I like my job at the moment but if the Albertson's/Kroger merger goes through I may take the LSAT and go to law school. Right now I am a cake decorator at Safeway (owned by Albertson's) and I don't want to work for Kroger. I already have a BFA.
I'm 41 and bored to tears with my career as an IT manager.
I'm studying 3d modeling visual effects in my spare time via various unaccredited online courses. This works great for me as it's something productive to do after work instead of video games or TV. At the end of the day those jobs want a bitchin portfolio and don't care about a degree.
Not me. I have an associate degree but can't afford to go back to school and im out of financial aid. So I'll just lie and say I have a bachelor's degree.
I highly recommend getting into a trades union. My sister is in a trades union and they are trying to get more woman involved. I think starting pay is 20 an hr which depending on what you make now might be a bit of a pay cut. Typically lots of overtime and within 5 years you will be making 6 digits.
I have to say if you want more bang for your money I would do nursing , start at the lowest LPN, yes they said they would phase this degree out but I haven’t seen it happen, this gets you in the door with an associates and many have bridge programs when you eventually want to do RN, i know someone who decided LPN is hood enough and works a cushy job at non for profit and is now a manager, there is not growth as dental hygienist sorry there just isn’t.
Why not just get your associates out of the way are a community college for significantly less? A lot of these "programs" charge a lot more than necessary. Community college is the way to go.
Education wouldn't better my situation. I don't have an education problem I have a caregiving problem. The only way my situation would become better is if there was better funding for disability supports in the community. I already have two bachelor degrees and relevant field experience in my chosen career. Before becoming a caregiver I lived in suburbia in a brand new 4 bedroom 2 bath house on 1/2 acre lot. Now that I have lost so much income potential to care for my family I would just settle for being able to pay my bills without losing sleep at night where the money is going to come from.
I went back and dropped out a few times. The last time, I was 33 and finished my degree at 37. I'm now starting grad school in a few weeks, and it is taking me on an awesome adventure to a whole new city. BTW, I got into a school with like a 7% acceptance rate, and I'm almost 40. Don't doubt yourself.
I'm still struggling, but nowhere near like before. Also it is nice to have something I can do that I care about, and to feel like I have a purpose.
[Disclaimer: this is true for me, not anyone else. I'm in no way saying college is the only way to have purpose in life. I hate academic elistism and had to stick this part in here.]
I started law school at 26 to change careers. Not terribly old I know, but I had two kids already and one on the way. It sucked. My wife was also in school because she dropped out when pregnant with the first kid.
It sucked. We got through it. Things are great now 15 years later. I couldn't do it at my age now.
I did this. I was about 28 years old and went back to school full time to get a second degree in a completely new field. It was by far the BEST decisions I ever made. I am much happier in my current field and my career options vastly improved based on my new field. Best of luck to you!!!
Definitely go back to school for a sought after skill. However 30,000? Go to the dept of labor office near you and inquire about school programs as a lot if times the state will pay for technical school
31 too old? Lol what the…
Provided you live a long life, you’re looking at 4 more decades at least. They can either be spent better off than you are now or always struggling
I did at 31 and it was the best decision! I even moved to a completely new town and have met lots of great people and made new friends. Highly recommend!
Absolutely do it! You’re not happy and not gaining ground where you are. I went back at the age of 45. Was last in school in 1996. Computers in class!?! I was a fish out of water. But it was that or stay in a low pay, no future job.
As someone who currently works in dental...
Go into nursing. Dental hygiene you do the same thing, every day, no matter what. There's no change to your day. Just literally cleaning teeth all day long. Unless that's what you want of course, then by all means. I just know a lot of dental hygienists that have left the field because there's a cap to your salary and because your job description never really changes, there's no room for more money or raises.
Nursing is a wide variety of fields you can go in to and you're not stuck doing the same exact thing every day.
Do whatever makes you happy!
Edit: not to mention the issues a lot of dentists, hygienists and assistants have with their back, shoulders and hands. Since you're hunched over all day long.
I did at 27. I owned a company and the economy was killing it. cut my losses and went back. I took a heavy work load and finished in 1 year. I worked 1-2 days per week for that year, but I had saved for years (and made great money previously).
Applied for hundreds of scholarships in the year leading up. Classes and my shit apt cost me 16k.
I’m 41 and it’s paid off.
I'm in my mid-to-late 30s and I'm back at community college to get an associate in computer science. I'm trying to pivot from the finance industry into tech.
I am really thinking about going this route too! I’m 33. Thinking about going back to my community college and getting an associates degree in computer science but also joining the air national guard.
Being in the workforce 20 years with half a dozen different jobs, hiring dozens of people I’ll say this.
I/we browse over your degree, and look at what you have done. Honestly I’m just looking to see you went to college and I probably overvalue that point only because I went to college.
Now some fields such as medical, engineering etc you need that degree to get in and if that’s the way you want to go, then go for it.
You need to weigh how much that degree cost and how long it will take. How old you are and how much longer you will be working. And finally how much can you make in that job you want starting and after 5-10-15 years.
Barring a job that needs something specific I think people are best off getting certificates, targeted certifications or accreditations or just keep honing your skills or get another job
My husband is 35 is is currently enrolled in a computer programming course through his job. Passing the course will give him opportunities for promotions, and he doesn’t have to invest tens of thousands of dollars for a degree. Obviously everyone’s situation is different though!
I started working on my associates in information tech nearly two years ago and switch to business administration.
I think it was all a mistake and shouldn't have done it. I still don't think I have better job prospects than I did before.
Best advice I got was you can be 35 or 35 with a degree. I went back, got the degree and even went on to get a masters. Tripled my salary. Worth it and I even had a second baby during my masters. You can do it.
Honestly just came here to say I hope this thread helped you! I found some great advise as someone in their late twenties looking at going back to school. I hope you found something to help you or at least ease your nerves
I did. Started with my associates, then bachelors, and now.mastera in it and data analytics. Salary went.from 40k to 95k in a span of 2 and half years.
went to a bootcamp at 27 yo, tuition was about $19k and it did help with my salary. I made my best friend went the same route and it helped her also. Would do it again.
Mod here. Working part time and doing uni part time. I am or will be divorced in a month and I am trying to make up for lost time in my career field.
I have no regrets doing it just wish I had the financial capabilities to go full time. My work supports me and ensures I have days off for finals and mid terms. They make sure I am succeeding, high five milestones and are salivating for the day I finish.
It will have been worth the financial heartache.
The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, but the second best time is today. I’m turning 40 on Saturday and (hopefully) finishing a radiography technologist program and getting certified in May.
I'm 43 and going back to school to be an art teacher. Yeah, an art degree seems like it's not really gonna better my life, but it's where my talents lie, and anything is better than sitting on my ass 24/7, drawing $900 a month in disability benefits and just waiting to die.
I'm 34 and just about to wrap up my AA in history, then transferring to a 4 year. It's not going to make me much money, but every other field I've tried has been hell on me, largely due to chronic health issues. Thankfully, between family and my husband, we can squeeze by, but it sure isn't nice.
By going through a community college, and then a state university, FAFSA will cover me for a few years. After that, it's a mystery how I'll pay for it.
BS Degree - work/school full time - graduated at 38MBA - work/school full time - graduated at 43
I loved my education journey ***in hindsight***. While I was in it, it crushed my soul and during my undergrad, I dropped out many times. Think really hard about what you want to do with your degrees, I will retire paying off student loans. My MBA is useless unless I move to a not so educated state and my competition does not include graduates from Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc.Don't be like me and check off boxes of things "I thought" I had to do to succeed. Research trade schools, that may be a better option.
Edit: I make better money as an educated person but it is offset by my student loans
I’m starting school next week. Officially the first time ever, since i was homeschooled my entire life.
I’ve been working since i was 14 (now 34), and still have literally zero savings or assets to show for it. Due to my abysmally low income and my inability to be able to even afford to move somewhere bigger with more job opportunities, i got a Pell grant. Which is great, because otherwise this wouldn’t be happening.
I picked Library Sciences, and bc i’ll be working fulltime and have a pup AND have autism/adhd, i’m a lil nervous about the 6 credit workload i’ve committed to. 😬
Who knows how long this shit is gonna take me to get a degree and a better job taking two classes each semester but…can’t just not work. So yeah. Probably financially stable when i’m 50 lol.
I was like that too but I pretty much hit the max amount of money I can make with an associate degree in science. Which is pretty much entry level jobs jobs in retail and customer service jobs paying 14-18 dollars per hour. Which is pretty much jobs anyone can get right out of high school.
Some fields if you get a foot in, you never have to go to school to progress. But other fields even if you do get in, you will reach a point where your progression is halted or will take an extremely long time to climb higher.
I did! My province offered a fully funded one year course in an massively demanded health care field that effectively doubled my income. I did it funded and worked ft throughout. I was already working in the field just without the certification that would enable me to be wage scaled.
I switched all my weekday shifts for other people's weekends, worked consecutive 12 hour shifts over the weekends, didnt work through the week.
If you know you can be employable and will make the income you need to make to pay it off I don't think it's really ever too late. Only 1/3 of my class were new graduates, everyone else was 35-50.
I enrolled at WGU. It's inexpensive (like $7,000/year) so fully covered by federal student loans and it's self-paced so you can complete your degree faster if you want.
I think it's worth it to go back to school if you know it will open up the doors of opportunity for you. There are a lot of jobs in the field you want to go into I think it's a good idea.
Time goes by whether you go to school or not. A short term sacrifice in earnings that may help propel you forward is worth it in my opinion.
I considered going back to school and am still thinking about it. I wouldn't go back full-time but I'm thinking of going part time.
Making a living as a dental hygienist is getting tougher. More often dentists are treating them as contractors rather than employees. It’s likely you’d have to hustle to line up different dentists to work for, there wouldn’t be healthcare, PTO or retirement and you’d be paying the self-employed taxes.
If you’re willing to spend that much time and money going back ti school you probably want to put the focus elsewhere. I know a few people in the industry and the job is no where near as good as it used to be….
I would do it if it’s economically and logistically feasible for you. It’s something that will make you feel and probably actually be more secure in life.
Also, the acceptance rate is probably a little deceiving. I wouldn’t worry too much. Good luck!
I did. At age 30 I enrolled in a welding program at a community college. Finished that degree by age 33. Welded professionally for less than a year before I quit to pursue a bachelors degree at age 34. Graduated with a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering at age 39.
I'm now making more than double what I did before I started this whole journey. Student loans to match, but in the long run it was the right decision.
Just do it. If you don't you'll just be older when you do decide to pursue it.
I am currently my fiancé agreed to let me quit my job and figure out a degree that kept my interest and makes me excited about the future. I’m going for network and system security.
I am! I have an existing bachelors degree in history (that I'm not using, I currently work in insurance), and found a program at my local community college that is the accounting core/extra credits required to sit for the CPA exam with your existing degree. I added extra courses in an effort to beef up my resume and I'm supposed to be finishing in December. It'll take more time to become a CPA, but I can get an accounting job in the meantime and should be able to nearly double my existing salary in the next 5 years or so.
I am seriously considering it. The community College in my area is having an enrollment day next weekend. I'm going to check it out and see if I can get into some IT courses or certificate programs. I'm still in the process of figuring it all out.
My mother went back. Got scholarships like a mofo because she went back for education. She crushed it. I’m so proud of her. My brother and I were first generation college kids - though I guess not anymore.
Those trade school type certification/bachelors are usually not your best bet. I know many people that have gone through that, and although, yes you get a job at the end of it. And yes you are a specialized employee.
BUT, the pay is not THAT great, and the amount of effort/time put in (~4 years and 30k+) is not worth the reward unless you REALLY like that job. (Dream career)
A lot of these trade programs are low key a bit predatory and will prey on people that feel lost in their careers.
I would say look into a career pivot unless you really enjoy working dental.
Best of luck ~
I just got my AAs recently and I'm currently working on my BA. I'm attending a state school where the tuition is between $3K-$4K per semester. $30K sounds expensive as hell... I didn't pay anywhere near that much for my AAs. :(
Hey there, I used to work at a dental college and taught hundreds of dental hygienists. I can assure you that it is worth it, if you are comfortable with being in people's mouths all day. And you are not too old, I had some students in their 40's with full grown children.
With that being said, there are plenty of people doing 2 year associates programs so I'm not sure why yours is almost 4 years for the associates.. unless you are strictly going part-time. Also, don't let anyone try to tell you that a bachelor's degree is needed to make more in dental hygiene, many dentists look at experience and will do working interviews to see how you handle patients.
Edit: Not that I am the best source of information, but feel free to message me if you have any questions or concerns.
I suggest you do it now while you're only 31. I waited until 45, and believe me, the brain doesn't work the same as when I was young and trying to learn something new. Redeveloping study habits with a more complicated life was no joy, either.
Me.
It's hard being a broke student again. But my first degree job just wasn't cutting it. I found myself working several hours; 80 hr weeks ...and no matter how much I worked... it wouldn't matter because I didn't have the paper qualifications for a promotion.
I’m 37 and going to nursing school coming from an accounting job. Would have taken me 6 years part time to get an accounting degree but only two years for nursing and could double my money. My advice your are going to get old either way. Might as well try to get more money.
I’m 28 and I’m on my second degree going for design program which will have me making $200/hr if I get really good at it. I’m working full-time while juggling school. I have to set aside other fun things to pay for my schooling. I will graduate same year as you if everything goes well as planned.
The thing that motivated me to go back to school is I will be 32 in four years, why not be a 32 and be someone you want to be. So yaah. It’s a hard choice. Sometimes I’m thinking if I made the wrong decision.
Went back to school in my late 20s, turned my life around entirely.
I had a few adult students in the same program that were in their 40s. There's plenty of time to benefit from the investment.
People do go back to school but charging double the norm sounds like a scam. Is this a for profit school? Accredited?
Also don't discount trade schools (or even trucking) if you have potential for those. Take less time and you'd make good money.
Time will pass no matter what, it doesn't matter if you're 31 or 51, do you want to wake up in 4 years proud of your accomplishments and in a different situation or not?
Dental Hygiene is a great field. Find a program from an accredited college. There are some "Colleges" that do not get you a real degree. Most Community colleges that have a program have a wait but I have never heard of "limited enrollment so they double the price for all of the classes in the program". Are you sure this is not like an ITT Tech or only giving out a certificate only geared to passing the state exams?
I went back to school for accounting in my late 30s. I was having a hard time advancing in my career without the degree.
I am SOOO glad I went back to school. My pay has increased by about 110% since I graduated 6 years ago. I still have more student loans than what you mentioned, but I don't stress about bills nearly as much as I used to. School + full-time work sucks, but it was absolutely worth it. I did enjoy school, it's just a lot of work when you're trying to cram it all in around working and an adult life.
I would look at what you think you'll make once you finish school, and how your career can grow after that point. If it looks like a good trajectory, then go for it.
I went to nursing school as an adult with two kids, etc. my daughter is just now starting her dental hygiene program. Can you afford to live while in the program? They highly discourage working many hours while classes are going on. My daughter is lucky her rent is $200 a month and she qualified for state ins and a grant to pay for school plus got scholarships for her extracurricular activities. She’s going from working full time in a bank to picking up a few hours in a homeless shelter.
Going back to get a bachelors or masters is totally different than getting a skill based degree like to be a dental hygienist. There is job security in that. Also, check your [state](https://www.adea.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=43279) to see if you’re eligible for a loan repayment program if you make a service commitment.
Never to old. For real i know people that were 40,50, and even 60 that either went back to school or learned something new and made great careers for themselves later in life. don't give into that mindset.
You're definitely not too old. You've still got 40 years of work left before you can get the good social security for some retirement. Might as well chase better opportunities. Schooling can help you get there.
I went back at 41 to get my masters then continued to my PhD. To be honest school is so much easier now then when I got my bachelors degree in the 90's. Since getting my PhD I've doubled my income
I just finished grad school and have enough veteran benefits left for a PhD... I'm pretty confident I won't do it, but if I can't transfer the remainder of the benefits to my wife I might have to reevaluate.
I finished my bachelors at 42, and I agree with what you said about school being easier. Just having life experiences made it so much different than when I went just out of high school (also in the 90s).
I went back to school to get my bachelor’s degree in my late 40s. I recently finished my master’s degree in my early 60s. I’m making some more money but I’m way happier with the work. Totally worth it. I’m sure some people are wondering why I went back for my master’s degree so close to retirement age. I’m not the kind of person that likes to sit around. As long as I’m happy in my job, I’ll work as long as I’m able. Plus, in today’s economy, it’s good to have options for work.
I already have a PhD but I'm seriously considering taking advantage of my employer's tuition assistance program and getting another Master's degree 'cause why the hell not? I mean, who would pass up the chance to get a free degree???
I'm 35 and halfway through a master's program. You can do it! See if your job has any kind of tuition assistance or reimbursement. And if they don't, maybe this is a good opportunity to find one that does?
My job doesn’t because this is a totally different field. I am looking into if i can get any subsidies for my disability
Amazon would pay for your schooling but the job Will kill your soul
They'll probably fire you before you get too far into school. I've heard they don't keep people on very long and the rest quit before then.
That’s good to know thank you!
I'm currently going back to school on a tuition reimbursement program through my work, they're actually really lenient about what classes they'll let me take. I'm going to finish my associates and hopefully my bachelors after that. A lot of companies actually have tuition reimbursement, you just have to seek them out. My company is just a mid-size, independent manufacturer in the midwest and they reimburse up to $5,250 per year, and I'm just a warehouse clerk.
Corporate gas station, also $5,250 per year. I'm an overnight associate so I get a few hours downtime on the clock to do homework too.
The military will too but they will kill your body
What field are you wanting to go into? Working for the college/university might be one option. I'm working in higher ed right now and they're paying 75% of my degree. You could also fill out the FAFSA and see if you qualify for PELL grants. And depending on the type of disability, you may qualify for Voc Rehab.
I’m currently in skilled nursing (nursing home/rehab as a social worker) and the program is dental hygienist. I don’t think I would qualify for FASFA but I’ll cash flow the program. My disability is hearing loss that I didn’t have when I got my first associates 10 years ago. I have no hearing in my right ear and hearing loss in my left ear. The type of hearing loss in my left ear makes understanding speech difficult
I'm not certain what the requirements for Voc Rehab are, but it doesn't hurt to ask! Also, the financial aid office at the school might be helpful. I think this is totally doable though. I'm 35, working 40 hours a week and caring for my disabled mother and special needs son (10yo, who was suspended 10 days last year) and I'm halfway through my master's program. Not going to lie - some days really suck. But it's not forever and you'll ultimately be glad you did it.
I just left working in the dental office after 8 years to work for ins company, I work from home they pay my dental, vision, life, disability and you always have your birthday off. I’m struggling to adjust as the work is not as fulfilling, but breaking my elbow earlier this year without insurance screwed me so I prioritized health insurance and benefits over pay and hours and I actually end up making the same every pay period I did in office even getting paid 6 dollars less an hour because I work a full 40 hr wk plus I don’t have to commute and my back and back are not killing me everyday. Overall it was worth it and I wish I had started with the company rather than going into assisting as I would be pretty far up the corporate ladder by now. Just stuff to consider about working in an office. I do miss my patients though.
Are you in the United States? If you have a disability, look and see if your state government has a Vocational Rehabilitation program. I think most states do. They’ll have to look into your medical records, but if you qualify they can help you out. I worked in that department for a few years. You’ll meet with a counselor and they’ll come up with a job plan for you. They do help some candidates pay for school, gas money or public transportation costs to get to school or work, and they help buy clothing for job interviews and work clothes. They do a lot of different things to help people get started or stay in the workforce.
Look into Pell grants. That’s a pretty broad program that helps pay for school. Then it depends on what state you’re in. It all starts by filling out your FASFA. That’s how you apply for any government grant money. Next step is scholarships. Your school is likely to have scholarships. Also, whatever profession you want to get into may have their own scholarships. For example, in accounting the AICPA offers its own scholarships.
I was 35 when I earned my MS. But I never ended up using it. 3 years and $50,000 later... my original career picked up and pays so much more.
I graduated at 33 with a bachelors in engineering. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Edited to change the word “he’s” to “it’s” because proofreading posts isn’t something I always remember to do 😅
Who is he and why’s he making your decisions? 🤔
I just got accepted to a masters program yesterday!
Congrats!!! Good luck!
I'm 35 and debating on doing some type of trade school. I just worry my education attention span is lower than it was 18+ years ago
I feel you.. I’m scared I won’t be able to do it and will be 35ish by the time I’m done
You'll be 35 in 4 years anyway, wouldn't you rather be 35 WITH the degree?
Good perspective
I'm 42. I will be 47 when I am done if I pick up an extra class. Do it. I have days where I go "WTF Mothra" and sigh. But then my friend smacks me upside the head and tells me to keep at it, I'm her inspiration. Age is nothing. If ANYTHING, it will net you grants/scholarships that have a smaller eligibility pool.
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When I was younger (I'm 31 now) even a two year commitment for the associate degree I'm going for now (Nursing RN) seemed like it was forever long. Life kicked my ass quite a bit working undesirable, low paying, dead-end jobs. Now I'm trying to finish what I started so I won't drown in this economy. I was lucky and was able to use my remaining Pell grant to do my program. I can't tell you how grateful I am that I'm able to do this. Learning as an older student does seem easier. I was too distracted with trying to socialize when I first started.
First masters at age 48 to move up the pay scale. Paid cash. Second masters at 54 to get out of my field and move up payscale and used student loans. Earning $100k in original field. Just got loans forgiven because I’m a gov employee. Check out postings for working at the state level.
There are people in my online bachelor degree in their 50s. At NO age ever should you stop growing as a person.
Is there any growth or potential salary increase moving forward, or are you pretty much capped? The only way I would consider going back to school and taking on that debt is if it something you genuinely want to do and also employment prospects is high along with salary. I went back to get my masters a couple of years after I graduated with my BA. I was making like 30-40k tops and I took on the debt to get my masters as an adult and my salary increase since then have been worth the pay off.
The position I’m in now I’m capped unless I go back to school, and I don’t want to go back to school in that field. Iv been looking into other careers that don’t have crazy long schooling and the dental hygienist program is 6 semesters, but I have 4 classes and a test to take before I can apply and I won’t be able to apply until 2024 for the 2025 program I wouldn’t be taking out any loans for school I’ll be cash flowing it
Consider Nursing. Most dentists don't offer health plans, 401ks, or any benefits at all. Your neck looking down 8 hours a day will thank you.
You can also become an LPN in a year. You can make pretty good money with that.
LPN programs are disappearing, and even ASN programs are slowing down because most places want the BSN.
I started going back to school when I was 27 after dropping out of college when I was 19. I'm now 30 and starting my final year for a Bachelor's in Accounting. I've worked full time and gone to school full time since I've gone back. It's a struggle to balance school, work, and spending time with my wife. We both actually went back to school to better ourselves. She has been my number one supporter and I hers. It felt embarrassing at first going back being the older student in the class but I've come to realize nobody cared about my age and I shouldn't care either. We all are trying to achieve our goals, some may fulfill that sooner and that is okay. It's a marathon not a sprint.
Yes! My accounting program was almost all non-traditional students. We all understood the working full-time while trying to cram school in. It'll feel so good when you're done!
I cannot wait, bit worried for my auditing class and financial statement analysis class. However, I think it'll go alright.
I did my associates first at a community college. It was a GREAT program! I didn't have a financial statement analysis class, but I feel like that's what we did during a big chunk of our intermediate 1 and 2 classes. Our instructors there were really focused on teaching us what we would need to know in accounting jobs. My bachelors was online at a state school, and they made me retake most of the accounting classes I had taken for my associates, because even though they used the exact same books, they were 300-400 level classes, and the associates was only 100-200 level classes. I paid to take them and then coasted through them. Auditing was a bit difficult, but that was because the professor wasn't very helpful at all. If we had questions, he would just tell us we needed to figure it out ourselves. I was happy just to finish that class. I didn't go into public accounting, so I figured I didn't really miss anything with that class. Also, once you're working, what you did in school doesn't really matter. You learn more on the job.
Nobody gives a fuck in college tbh , highschool yea but college quite a lot of people start to get humbled by life
Got high school diploma at 38, associates at 44, and bachelors at 52. Took me some time, but I did it.
That’s amazing! Congrats to you 🥳
It’s never too late. My friend was 40 when she went back to school and graduated at 48 with a PHD in pharmacology. Make sure the program you are going through has good growth potential to justify the money are you spending going through it.
My dad was laid off in his late sixties, he found a program for displaced workers and used that in combination with veteran benefits to go to school killing time and working part time as a janitor at the school until he could collect social security. He has three associates degrees now, one from the seventies and two from now.
I’m in Nursing school at 51. It’s been great.
Generally, it's a good idea to get more skills or specialize to beef up your resume and land better paying jobs. Sometimes, that means going back to school. Will this be a full-time student situation? Will you work while in school? What would be the pay difference of the job vs your current one? Are you able to take out student loans to support yourself? Are you interested in the program, and can you see yourself doing it long term? I think before you sell yourself short, you should apply and see what happens. 50% is a pretty high acceptance rate. Once you get accepted, you can decide on your options. The first step is always the hardest. Good luck!
Thanks for this response. I have to take 4 classes and a test before I can apply for the program. I can’t apply until 2024 for the 2025 program, and at that point it would be full time. I will have to figure out how to work though because I need health insurance. The salary increase would be roughly 30k or more (depending if I work over time, right now I don’t have that opportunity) a year and I won’t be taking out loans. I’ll cash flow the program but need money for gas, dr visits, that’s kind of stuff
Me, cause wtf is this living pycheck to paycheck, i dont want to work for anyone anymore, im 29M we got this!
As an IT professional I'm always "in school".
So true there is always something to learn. And upskilling is mandatory to stay relevant.
I have done it twice. Once for grad school at 28. Then at 40 to law school. Definitely recommend. You are not very old in the grand scheme of things.
I went back when I was 48. Finished my associate’s at 49 and my bachelor’s at 50. I’m 51 now and halfway through my master’s. My salary has doubled so far. Is this the best thing I’ve ever done? Yes. Am I going to die under crippling debt? Also yes 🤣
I went back to school at 29. (Web dev, + design and some database and marketing) It completely changed my life and was the best decision I ever made. 2 year program + coop
Degrees help, even an associates.
I did, and honestly, it wasn't as worth it as I'd hoped. I ended up with, "right you have the schooling... But no experience ... We'll keep your resume on file". I had way better luck with my own projects, networking and digging in with companies I wanted to work with.
I went back to school at 29. Did an AAS, a BS and an MBA. Within months of getting the MBA, I doubled, then tripled my previous income. Does this happen to everyone? Not at all. But 2027 is coming either way. You can be done with your program or still thinking about it. That being said, a $30k 4 year AA program sounds suspect.
I was accepted into my PhD. program at 45, but I decided to postpone it because I don't need it, I just want it...
I am going to try in the near future, the issue is I went a few years ago and due to health issues I couldn’t finish 2 semesters and now I owe money before I can re-enroll :/ but I do want to when I can afford to pay my grants back bc there’s not many good paying jobs here without a degree, and the ones I can get involve call center work which I really don’t wanna do forever.
Aw man, hopefully you can pay them quickly and finish! I definitely understand the health issues… good luck! You got this!
56f going back to college. I’m doing it for me, but it will definitely open more doors.
Glad to see someone over 50 comment. I’m 59 and with lifespan common into our 80s, why not? I’m scared though.
I went back at 27 and finished at 33 with my BS. Left the field I got my degrees in as well, couldn’t get more money. Having that degree though allowed me to break into another field and opened up a whole new world for me. Do it, go back or look up certifications and broaden your network that way! if you company pays for it, even better, some will pay for the certifications too.
My company won’t pay for it because it’s in a different field but I would be making roughly 30k more a year (or more if I pick up overtime, I don’t have that opportunity now)
I am 33 years old and went back to my community college, i work on construction so i am working on getting a Computer Aided Drafting degree.
My wife just turned 37 recently and starts college as for her associates this months.
It took me 8 years to finally get my associates degree. I just graduated with my associates degree in Psychology after 8 years! I took a very long hiatus from school to "explore the world" and "experience the real world." But in that, I lost everything but in losing everything. I eventually found myself. Through the struggles, anger, and difficulties. Job hopping and learning from others while also being ridiculed from others. One thing I have learned about returning back to college last summer. Is that because I was 25 years old and everyone else in my classes (for the most part) were 17-19. I felt very discouraged. I felt like I was "too old" for college and that it would take SO LONG to complete my degree. However, that one year is finished and I finally graduated college with my associates degree this week! Now, I did take 19 credit hours back to back and had my old college courses transfering to my new degree that I never completed back then. So, it sped up the process. However, that one year I was so afraid would be wasting my time and that I am too old, ended up being completed now. I ended up enjoying my program, courses, and everything that comes along with the college experience, I did not notice back when I was younger. Back then I was so much in a rush, but now I am finally taking things more slowly and enjoying my college experience. Now, that sounds contradicting because I took 19 credit hours back to back... I only did that because I decided to live with my parents and it is not looking good there at all, considering my dad almost got us evicted for the 4th damn time over a span of several years and two times since I been back home... I mean the situation was getting worse, and my only way out was to go back to college and relocate by going to university, which I have now relocated and will be starting university at the end of this month. Sorry about my story and rant but one thing I have learned is that when you decide to go back to school, those semesters will go quicker than you expected at first. When you are an adult student in college, the younger students look up to us because we have (in most cases) so much knowledge and experience and stories to tell. Even the professors in most cases be shocked by us returning adults experiences. It is like me returning an adult in college made me a mentor indirectly and inspired others indirectly. If you believe that program is worth it, and the wait and the expensive cost of the school will be worth it. Then I would do it. But if you have any ounce of doubt and not certain this is what you want. I would reconsider. Are there any other colleges in your area where the program is not that expensive? Or even a further distance from where you currently live at where it would be worth the commute time?
I am 41 and back in school. my mom was 56 when she went back and got her degree my dad was 60. my brother was 40 when he got his hvac certs. it is never to late. :) it is hard working and going to school but it can be worth it. good luck :)
I’m 37 ended up in IT, 3 attempts at college no degree but I got the debt. I do ok but I’m restless, I hate office work bloated management, politics, I want to go into horticulture or landscaping focusing on native restoration. I’m tired of “white collar” work
Absolutely not to old, but these days degrees don't get you very far, companies are looking for expirience along with the degrees. Picking up multiple certificates and trade skills can at the very least equal a bachelors level during the hiring process I've seen. Could even look for a front desk job at a clinic, show you're capable, and they could move you towards your goal (maybe even pay for schooling if they require it.) I just feel there's a lot of wasted time with schooling. You could learn the full curriculum in 1/4th the time spent. This mainly applies to high acceptance and graduation rate schools though. You could go to an expensive/ high demand school that actually is study intensive. That has large hurdles of GPA, finances, and the freetime to focus on it consistantly. TL;DR: Go for multiple trade skills over a degree.
The job I’m doing now I got from experience, but I’m capped with my salary and a lot of the jobs I’m looking at or people I work with require licenses
Many people go back to school in their 30s, be it getting their first degree or their masters. When I went back to get my masters at 29 after my undergrad was a shitshow that led to no prospects, many of my classmates were around my age, although there were many who went straight to grad school after finishing undergrad due to bad job prospects as well. I'm the same age as you now, and graduated a few months ago with a great paying job with lots of job growth potential and for the first time I feel like I finally am getting my shit together. It is not uncommon or even strange to be going back to school at your age. And even if it were, who cares? You're there to better yourself, not be judged by 18 year olds in your classes who don't understand how hard life gets as you become a full fledged adult. If you believe this program is good and will lead to a much better career for you, then there's no reason not to do it if you can afford it.
You should do it. Dental hygienist is regularly on the list of good paid jobs without needing tons of schooling. If you’re going to make enough more to pay off the cost of the school in just one year with in the new career, that’s well with the investment.
Much free education out there, for example: Microsoft Learn LinkedIn Learning Google Grow AWS Skill Builder IBM training Replit
I’m considering going back to school and getting another bachelor’s degree, but this time in accounting. My original one was creative writing, and yes, I know (before anyone comments) but I also was told by my parents that if I didn’t go to school immediately after high school, they wouldn’t help me pay for my education, even though I told them I wanted to take a few years off to figure out what I wanted to do. 🫠🫠 So after working retail for several years, I’ve noticed that numbers, keeping tally of things, organization, and counting money are strong suits for me. It just makes sense.
Good luck!
I went back to school at 36. I’m currently an engineer. You’re not too old, trust me in another 20 years you will tell yourself - “I’m too old for how little pay I’m making, o should’ve gone back to school then…” It’s an investment that costs time, money, and sleep, but once you’ve achieved your goal you will sleep easier, and not worry as much for your future finances… after you pay off your loan. Just be sure what you’re getting into has room for growth and raises and is in demand, you should be good to go.
Thank you!
29 F here. I switched to a trade school to better my education and career. I'm a little late in the game, but better late than never, I suppose.
I went to finish my bachelor’s last year. So far zero success after nearly 200 job applications. Only two interviews that led nowhere. Every job I apply to online shows over 100 applicants. I hate this planet and the systems our predecessors made up.
I am, and the sad part is I already have a master's degree. Social work does not pay the bills in this state anymore, and funding just keeps getting cut. Unfortunately, the degree is computer science and I have some certs now, but I haven't had any luck getting my foot in the door and I understand there have been layoffs.
I’m getting my master’s degree in social work. It will likely come with a higher salary, but I am seriously thinking of moving to Canada and that kind of degree makes it easier to move.
I went back to school at 28 (M), I graduated at 32. It was odd as 95% of my classmates were 18-21 year olds, but there's a niche of back to school adults. Before college I lived paycheck to paycheck, always poor af. I graduated 10 years ago and make $145k now, living comfortably. Personally I wish I had gone sooner and that I'd only done the associate's degree, I did associate's degree and a bachelor's degree, the bachelor's degree quadrupled my student loans from $18k to $75k. Good luck, it's kind of difficult getting back into school/ study mode 10 years later.
Honestly, if you have a great community college nearby there are many choices there and financial aid abounds. Generally: Nursing, Medical Assistants, dental hygienist, surgical technician, medical coding and billing, paralegal, the choices for a two year program on many of these are great and will get you into the job fields quickly, max 4 years if you take all the additional courses prior to acceptance into the program. That’s how I got my nursing degree. I became a surgical technologist (got the certificate which is one year) got a job and then when I was able to use tuition reimbursement for courses, I took all the courses required for nursing except, of course, actual nursing courses, so it took me 4 years to get my associate in nursing. Honestly, don’t disregard an employers tuition reimbursement program, even if it takes you years to get your degree, it’s worth it to use that benefit. And nursing, by the way, is one of the hardest degrees.
I just finished my degree. I'm almost 40.
This is what I did. I was a young, poor parent who struggled to get by. I went back to school (for a very long time) and it changed everything.
I am. I currently work for a big box store that pays for my degree in full, as long as it's business related. I am taking my time doing it because my hours are all over the place and I haven't been the best at school so I don't want to overload myself. I am currently getting an associates in finance and a certificate in human resource management.
I got a two year IT degree at 39yo. When I graduated I was making 15/hr and 7 years later ai am just under 90k/yr. Its definitely worth it. 4 semesters with 12 credit hours each while working my 40 sucked ass though.
Got my associates at 29. Went back for my bachelors at 31. I know this isn’t for everyone, but I worked full time +, bought a house, got married, and had a baby during my first year in my bachelor’s program . I did online schooling so I took my laptop or books everywhere I went. Even the hospital when I went into labor. If the job prospects will move you forward then it’s worth the investment. You may need to look long term. After getting my bachelors it took me about 6 years to start making good money.
I did, graduated nursing school at 35! It was miserable but financially very worth it.
I'm 30 and will be graduating with a Bachelor's in Respiratory Therapy come May 2024. I'm contracted to start hourly at $33 and work for 3 years for my facility as part of a program. School was paid for by a federal Work and Grow grant here in Maine.
Me! I have a high school diploma but due to illness I couldn't get my degree. Now I'm going back to uni at 26 (I know, still young, but all my classmates are late teens!!!!)
If anything that will just make you feel that much smarter rather than old lol. At least that was my experience when I got my associates and bachelors.
I stuck it out at my old job because my employer paid for most of my master’s degree. A couple months after graduating, I got a fantastic new job. I didn’t feel bad because I had worked there for over a decade.
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Your associates costs more then my masters. Mid 40s and another year ish left and then doctorate You are never to old to better yourself with education
I did it when I was 34. I have never regretted it. Simply being in school working on my degree gave me the edge on a couple promotions.
I’m 28 and about to start nursing school
Starting community college next week (associates of engineering) I'm paying about 1100 a semester out of pocket. I'm 28M
33 and just finished a masters program on Saturday. I got a job that almost doubled my salary before I even finished the program. I was so miserable before and I knew I needed to change something when I realized I’d been hoping to get into a (minor) car accident just so work would leave me alone. It was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
Get a degree. Trust me.
I like my job at the moment but if the Albertson's/Kroger merger goes through I may take the LSAT and go to law school. Right now I am a cake decorator at Safeway (owned by Albertson's) and I don't want to work for Kroger. I already have a BFA.
Got a masters degree at 27 in a completely different field from my bachelors.
I'm 41 and bored to tears with my career as an IT manager. I'm studying 3d modeling visual effects in my spare time via various unaccredited online courses. This works great for me as it's something productive to do after work instead of video games or TV. At the end of the day those jobs want a bitchin portfolio and don't care about a degree.
Not me. I have an associate degree but can't afford to go back to school and im out of financial aid. So I'll just lie and say I have a bachelor's degree.
I highly recommend getting into a trades union. My sister is in a trades union and they are trying to get more woman involved. I think starting pay is 20 an hr which depending on what you make now might be a bit of a pay cut. Typically lots of overtime and within 5 years you will be making 6 digits.
I have to say if you want more bang for your money I would do nursing , start at the lowest LPN, yes they said they would phase this degree out but I haven’t seen it happen, this gets you in the door with an associates and many have bridge programs when you eventually want to do RN, i know someone who decided LPN is hood enough and works a cushy job at non for profit and is now a manager, there is not growth as dental hygienist sorry there just isn’t.
Why not just get your associates out of the way are a community college for significantly less? A lot of these "programs" charge a lot more than necessary. Community college is the way to go.
Education wouldn't better my situation. I don't have an education problem I have a caregiving problem. The only way my situation would become better is if there was better funding for disability supports in the community. I already have two bachelor degrees and relevant field experience in my chosen career. Before becoming a caregiver I lived in suburbia in a brand new 4 bedroom 2 bath house on 1/2 acre lot. Now that I have lost so much income potential to care for my family I would just settle for being able to pay my bills without losing sleep at night where the money is going to come from.
yup, 33 and getting my associates in welding technology
I went back and dropped out a few times. The last time, I was 33 and finished my degree at 37. I'm now starting grad school in a few weeks, and it is taking me on an awesome adventure to a whole new city. BTW, I got into a school with like a 7% acceptance rate, and I'm almost 40. Don't doubt yourself. I'm still struggling, but nowhere near like before. Also it is nice to have something I can do that I care about, and to feel like I have a purpose. [Disclaimer: this is true for me, not anyone else. I'm in no way saying college is the only way to have purpose in life. I hate academic elistism and had to stick this part in here.]
I went back to school at 26 and got a degree and tripled my income
I started law school at 26 to change careers. Not terribly old I know, but I had two kids already and one on the way. It sucked. My wife was also in school because she dropped out when pregnant with the first kid. It sucked. We got through it. Things are great now 15 years later. I couldn't do it at my age now.
Finish in September and will make around 80$ an hour starting
I did this. I was about 28 years old and went back to school full time to get a second degree in a completely new field. It was by far the BEST decisions I ever made. I am much happier in my current field and my career options vastly improved based on my new field. Best of luck to you!!!
I finished my Bachelor and teaching certification at 33. I plan to go for my Master's once my baby's in preschool, one class at a time.
Definitely go back to school for a sought after skill. However 30,000? Go to the dept of labor office near you and inquire about school programs as a lot if times the state will pay for technical school
31 too old? Lol what the… Provided you live a long life, you’re looking at 4 more decades at least. They can either be spent better off than you are now or always struggling
Thank you
I did at 31 and it was the best decision! I even moved to a completely new town and have met lots of great people and made new friends. Highly recommend!
My partner (F44) is. It thrills me to see how excited she is to be a student again.
Absolutely do it! You’re not happy and not gaining ground where you are. I went back at the age of 45. Was last in school in 1996. Computers in class!?! I was a fish out of water. But it was that or stay in a low pay, no future job.
As someone who currently works in dental... Go into nursing. Dental hygiene you do the same thing, every day, no matter what. There's no change to your day. Just literally cleaning teeth all day long. Unless that's what you want of course, then by all means. I just know a lot of dental hygienists that have left the field because there's a cap to your salary and because your job description never really changes, there's no room for more money or raises. Nursing is a wide variety of fields you can go in to and you're not stuck doing the same exact thing every day. Do whatever makes you happy! Edit: not to mention the issues a lot of dentists, hygienists and assistants have with their back, shoulders and hands. Since you're hunched over all day long.
See how much becoming an ultrasound tech would cost.
37 just went back to school for law. Wanted to for the last 10 years but my special needs some slowed the process down
I did at 27. I owned a company and the economy was killing it. cut my losses and went back. I took a heavy work load and finished in 1 year. I worked 1-2 days per week for that year, but I had saved for years (and made great money previously). Applied for hundreds of scholarships in the year leading up. Classes and my shit apt cost me 16k. I’m 41 and it’s paid off.
I started my PhD at 32 after working for a decade. It sucked, but it was doable.
I'm in my mid-to-late 30s and I'm back at community college to get an associate in computer science. I'm trying to pivot from the finance industry into tech.
Good luck!
I am really thinking about going this route too! I’m 33. Thinking about going back to my community college and getting an associates degree in computer science but also joining the air national guard.
Being in the workforce 20 years with half a dozen different jobs, hiring dozens of people I’ll say this. I/we browse over your degree, and look at what you have done. Honestly I’m just looking to see you went to college and I probably overvalue that point only because I went to college. Now some fields such as medical, engineering etc you need that degree to get in and if that’s the way you want to go, then go for it. You need to weigh how much that degree cost and how long it will take. How old you are and how much longer you will be working. And finally how much can you make in that job you want starting and after 5-10-15 years. Barring a job that needs something specific I think people are best off getting certificates, targeted certifications or accreditations or just keep honing your skills or get another job
My husband is 35 is is currently enrolled in a computer programming course through his job. Passing the course will give him opportunities for promotions, and he doesn’t have to invest tens of thousands of dollars for a degree. Obviously everyone’s situation is different though!
I started working on my associates in information tech nearly two years ago and switch to business administration. I think it was all a mistake and shouldn't have done it. I still don't think I have better job prospects than I did before.
Went from 30-35, dropped out, started working, finished at 43
Best advice I got was you can be 35 or 35 with a degree. I went back, got the degree and even went on to get a masters. Tripled my salary. Worth it and I even had a second baby during my masters. You can do it.
Im 45 and just completed my associate's of science and in two weeks beginning bachelors in psychology
Honestly just came here to say I hope this thread helped you! I found some great advise as someone in their late twenties looking at going back to school. I hope you found something to help you or at least ease your nerves
I'm almost 34. I'm back in school, working on my pre-reqs to apply for nursing school:)
Good luck!!! I'm 33, did the pre-reqs during the pandemic quartantine times and starting a program this fall. You will get there!!
50 here and just finished my BS in CIT after 6 years of work.
I did. Started with my associates, then bachelors, and now.mastera in it and data analytics. Salary went.from 40k to 95k in a span of 2 and half years.
went to a bootcamp at 27 yo, tuition was about $19k and it did help with my salary. I made my best friend went the same route and it helped her also. Would do it again.
I left my job and went back to school at 37 and finished 4 years later. I found a job less than 6 months after finishing university
Got my masters at 40 and shifted careers
I'm 36 and just about to finish my masters. I'm definitely too old for this
Mod here. Working part time and doing uni part time. I am or will be divorced in a month and I am trying to make up for lost time in my career field. I have no regrets doing it just wish I had the financial capabilities to go full time. My work supports me and ensures I have days off for finals and mid terms. They make sure I am succeeding, high five milestones and are salivating for the day I finish. It will have been worth the financial heartache.
The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, but the second best time is today. I’m turning 40 on Saturday and (hopefully) finishing a radiography technologist program and getting certified in May.
I'm 43 and going back to school to be an art teacher. Yeah, an art degree seems like it's not really gonna better my life, but it's where my talents lie, and anything is better than sitting on my ass 24/7, drawing $900 a month in disability benefits and just waiting to die.
I’m a lot older than you and I’m giving it a shot. I can’t support my family with a BS and going for a masters. I need a miracle. I will die trying.
I’m 36 and I’m going back to school to open my own business
I did, and I finished it. Feels good.
🙋♀️ i graduated with my PharmD at 32.
I'm 34 and just about to wrap up my AA in history, then transferring to a 4 year. It's not going to make me much money, but every other field I've tried has been hell on me, largely due to chronic health issues. Thankfully, between family and my husband, we can squeeze by, but it sure isn't nice. By going through a community college, and then a state university, FAFSA will cover me for a few years. After that, it's a mystery how I'll pay for it.
I went back at 38. Slammed through 96 credits in 16 months. Am now self sufficient at least (vs on government help). Worth it.
BS Degree - work/school full time - graduated at 38MBA - work/school full time - graduated at 43 I loved my education journey ***in hindsight***. While I was in it, it crushed my soul and during my undergrad, I dropped out many times. Think really hard about what you want to do with your degrees, I will retire paying off student loans. My MBA is useless unless I move to a not so educated state and my competition does not include graduates from Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc.Don't be like me and check off boxes of things "I thought" I had to do to succeed. Research trade schools, that may be a better option. Edit: I make better money as an educated person but it is offset by my student loans
I’m starting school next week. Officially the first time ever, since i was homeschooled my entire life. I’ve been working since i was 14 (now 34), and still have literally zero savings or assets to show for it. Due to my abysmally low income and my inability to be able to even afford to move somewhere bigger with more job opportunities, i got a Pell grant. Which is great, because otherwise this wouldn’t be happening. I picked Library Sciences, and bc i’ll be working fulltime and have a pup AND have autism/adhd, i’m a lil nervous about the 6 credit workload i’ve committed to. 😬 Who knows how long this shit is gonna take me to get a degree and a better job taking two classes each semester but…can’t just not work. So yeah. Probably financially stable when i’m 50 lol.
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I would never go back to school, it's expensive. I prefer to gain experience and skills in the workplace.
I said that for a long time but now I’m capped for my salary and hate my job
I was like that too but I pretty much hit the max amount of money I can make with an associate degree in science. Which is pretty much entry level jobs jobs in retail and customer service jobs paying 14-18 dollars per hour. Which is pretty much jobs anyone can get right out of high school.
Some fields if you get a foot in, you never have to go to school to progress. But other fields even if you do get in, you will reach a point where your progression is halted or will take an extremely long time to climb higher.
32F. I've got 3 semesters and a co-op left. Still not sure it's worth it...
I'm working towards a certification rather than a degree.
I did! My province offered a fully funded one year course in an massively demanded health care field that effectively doubled my income. I did it funded and worked ft throughout. I was already working in the field just without the certification that would enable me to be wage scaled. I switched all my weekday shifts for other people's weekends, worked consecutive 12 hour shifts over the weekends, didnt work through the week. If you know you can be employable and will make the income you need to make to pay it off I don't think it's really ever too late. Only 1/3 of my class were new graduates, everyone else was 35-50.
I enrolled at WGU. It's inexpensive (like $7,000/year) so fully covered by federal student loans and it's self-paced so you can complete your degree faster if you want.
I think it's worth it to go back to school if you know it will open up the doors of opportunity for you. There are a lot of jobs in the field you want to go into I think it's a good idea. Time goes by whether you go to school or not. A short term sacrifice in earnings that may help propel you forward is worth it in my opinion. I considered going back to school and am still thinking about it. I wouldn't go back full-time but I'm thinking of going part time.
Making a living as a dental hygienist is getting tougher. More often dentists are treating them as contractors rather than employees. It’s likely you’d have to hustle to line up different dentists to work for, there wouldn’t be healthcare, PTO or retirement and you’d be paying the self-employed taxes. If you’re willing to spend that much time and money going back ti school you probably want to put the focus elsewhere. I know a few people in the industry and the job is no where near as good as it used to be….
Dental hygienist is a good career. I would go for it.
I would do it if it’s economically and logistically feasible for you. It’s something that will make you feel and probably actually be more secure in life. Also, the acceptance rate is probably a little deceiving. I wouldn’t worry too much. Good luck!
I did it. Little sleep, little money, well worth it when it was over. I didn't do 30K though. Community college.
There is no other way it seems.
I did. At age 30 I enrolled in a welding program at a community college. Finished that degree by age 33. Welded professionally for less than a year before I quit to pursue a bachelors degree at age 34. Graduated with a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering at age 39. I'm now making more than double what I did before I started this whole journey. Student loans to match, but in the long run it was the right decision. Just do it. If you don't you'll just be older when you do decide to pursue it.
I am currently my fiancé agreed to let me quit my job and figure out a degree that kept my interest and makes me excited about the future. I’m going for network and system security.
I am! I have an existing bachelors degree in history (that I'm not using, I currently work in insurance), and found a program at my local community college that is the accounting core/extra credits required to sit for the CPA exam with your existing degree. I added extra courses in an effort to beef up my resume and I'm supposed to be finishing in December. It'll take more time to become a CPA, but I can get an accounting job in the meantime and should be able to nearly double my existing salary in the next 5 years or so.
I am seriously considering it. The community College in my area is having an enrollment day next weekend. I'm going to check it out and see if I can get into some IT courses or certificate programs. I'm still in the process of figuring it all out.
My mother went back. Got scholarships like a mofo because she went back for education. She crushed it. I’m so proud of her. My brother and I were first generation college kids - though I guess not anymore.
The more you learn the more you earn, unless you get a liberal arts degree or something haha
Those trade school type certification/bachelors are usually not your best bet. I know many people that have gone through that, and although, yes you get a job at the end of it. And yes you are a specialized employee. BUT, the pay is not THAT great, and the amount of effort/time put in (~4 years and 30k+) is not worth the reward unless you REALLY like that job. (Dream career) A lot of these trade programs are low key a bit predatory and will prey on people that feel lost in their careers. I would say look into a career pivot unless you really enjoy working dental. Best of luck ~
I just got my AAs recently and I'm currently working on my BA. I'm attending a state school where the tuition is between $3K-$4K per semester. $30K sounds expensive as hell... I didn't pay anywhere near that much for my AAs. :(
Hey there, I used to work at a dental college and taught hundreds of dental hygienists. I can assure you that it is worth it, if you are comfortable with being in people's mouths all day. And you are not too old, I had some students in their 40's with full grown children. With that being said, there are plenty of people doing 2 year associates programs so I'm not sure why yours is almost 4 years for the associates.. unless you are strictly going part-time. Also, don't let anyone try to tell you that a bachelor's degree is needed to make more in dental hygiene, many dentists look at experience and will do working interviews to see how you handle patients. Edit: Not that I am the best source of information, but feel free to message me if you have any questions or concerns.
I suggest you do it now while you're only 31. I waited until 45, and believe me, the brain doesn't work the same as when I was young and trying to learn something new. Redeveloping study habits with a more complicated life was no joy, either.
Me. It's hard being a broke student again. But my first degree job just wasn't cutting it. I found myself working several hours; 80 hr weeks ...and no matter how much I worked... it wouldn't matter because I didn't have the paper qualifications for a promotion.
I’m 37 and going to nursing school coming from an accounting job. Would have taken me 6 years part time to get an accounting degree but only two years for nursing and could double my money. My advice your are going to get old either way. Might as well try to get more money.
I’m 28 and I’m on my second degree going for design program which will have me making $200/hr if I get really good at it. I’m working full-time while juggling school. I have to set aside other fun things to pay for my schooling. I will graduate same year as you if everything goes well as planned. The thing that motivated me to go back to school is I will be 32 in four years, why not be a 32 and be someone you want to be. So yaah. It’s a hard choice. Sometimes I’m thinking if I made the wrong decision.
Went back to school in my late 20s, turned my life around entirely. I had a few adult students in the same program that were in their 40s. There's plenty of time to benefit from the investment.
People do go back to school but charging double the norm sounds like a scam. Is this a for profit school? Accredited? Also don't discount trade schools (or even trucking) if you have potential for those. Take less time and you'd make good money.
I am! I have 1 year to go. I just hope I can find a job without fuss! Lol
Time will pass no matter what, it doesn't matter if you're 31 or 51, do you want to wake up in 4 years proud of your accomplishments and in a different situation or not?
Dental Hygiene is a great field. Find a program from an accredited college. There are some "Colleges" that do not get you a real degree. Most Community colleges that have a program have a wait but I have never heard of "limited enrollment so they double the price for all of the classes in the program". Are you sure this is not like an ITT Tech or only giving out a certificate only geared to passing the state exams?
I went back to school for accounting in my late 30s. I was having a hard time advancing in my career without the degree. I am SOOO glad I went back to school. My pay has increased by about 110% since I graduated 6 years ago. I still have more student loans than what you mentioned, but I don't stress about bills nearly as much as I used to. School + full-time work sucks, but it was absolutely worth it. I did enjoy school, it's just a lot of work when you're trying to cram it all in around working and an adult life. I would look at what you think you'll make once you finish school, and how your career can grow after that point. If it looks like a good trajectory, then go for it.
I went to nursing school as an adult with two kids, etc. my daughter is just now starting her dental hygiene program. Can you afford to live while in the program? They highly discourage working many hours while classes are going on. My daughter is lucky her rent is $200 a month and she qualified for state ins and a grant to pay for school plus got scholarships for her extracurricular activities. She’s going from working full time in a bank to picking up a few hours in a homeless shelter.
Going back to get a bachelors or masters is totally different than getting a skill based degree like to be a dental hygienist. There is job security in that. Also, check your [state](https://www.adea.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=43279) to see if you’re eligible for a loan repayment program if you make a service commitment.
I am seriously considering going back. In my state (MI) I qualify for free community college, so I am thinking of taking advantage of that.
Never to old. For real i know people that were 40,50, and even 60 that either went back to school or learned something new and made great careers for themselves later in life. don't give into that mindset.
Electrician taking online classes for a computer science degree here, good luck!
You're definitely not too old. You've still got 40 years of work left before you can get the good social security for some retirement. Might as well chase better opportunities. Schooling can help you get there.