Are you a student who feels that you are too old to go to college? Perhaps you fear being excluded from your classmates. Or you are scared that you will be judged as a failure for being older. Well, then ask yourself this- is there truly an age for learning? Should we let the fear of what others will think and how they will react to us stop? Let us know Is It Okay To Go To College At 25?
The benefits a college degree can give some careers are perhaps worth facing these fears. Of course, in the end, whether or not it is okay to go to college at 25 or at any age depends on your goals and aspirations. The financial viability of your college education is unfortunately another thing that needs to be looked at when making decisions about higher education. Some will say a college degree is useful no matter what career you are in. Others will say that experience matters more, especially in certain careers. Yet others will say that if your dream is a higher education, then you should follow it. There will also be a group saying you should start earning and learn to live within your means before running after your dreams. All of them can be right and as we have mentioned it depends on your circumstances, your career goals, and aspirations from life which advice applies to you.
The Benefits of Going to College at 25
There are several benefits to starting college in your mind-twenties as now you are older, and many would say such life experience has helped your mature. Your brain also finishes developing around this time which means your actions are likely to be more reasonable, especially in the eyes of others. This is not to say that you cannot make serious life decisions before that age, maturity, and experience can change what you want out of life. Remember, there is no age too old for higher education. Here are the benefits of going to college at 25
You have life, and perhaps even work experience
As the years pass by we learn more about ourselves and the world. We become more in tune with who we are, as we learn from the mistakes of the past. At 25 you are likely to have a better or at least different idea of who you are and what you want in life than you would at 18. It is not a bad idea to get some internships or work in your chosen fields to figure out which one is the most interesting and financially viable for the life you aspire to have before committing to further study in the area.
You will be continuing your education, which can not only increase career options but widen your mind-set
A college degree, in many cases, provides you with more knowledge in your chosen field which in turn increases your pay scale. You will be interacting with people both older and younger, thereby helping you understand different viewpoints and widen your intellectual horizons.
A college education can help you understand and even get the resources for a career change
If you are looking to make a career change, going to college can help you gain the skills necessary. You can also have a backup career if you have done multiple degrees or pick a degree in a field other than the one you have worked in till now.
You might have money saved up for your higher education, thus reducing your reliance on aid and student loans
Working not only shows you the financial viability of your chosen career but also helps you save money for higher education. However, in many careers, a college degree can be a basic requirement too.
Struggles You Might Face when Going to College at 25
Going to college at any age is a terrifying experience. The experience becomes scarier if you are too old or too young when compared to your peers.
- Your classmates might be younger and therefore hold different viewpoints.
- You might struggle with making friends and enjoying the same activities as your classmates.
- Your priorities and needs might not match those of the majority of your “peers” and make you feel like a loner.
- You might feel like a fish out of water because of the lack of people your age.
- You might be scared of how people perceive you for being older than most of your classmates.
Conclusion
Whether or not you should go to college and whether it is viable and good for your career are deeply personal questions. Popular wisdom says that a college degree is always helpful as in most cases it helps you get better jobs. However, in some fields work experience might matter more. Yet a college degree might still make your resume stand out from that of your competition and in certain careers, it increases your pay scale. Furthermore, knowledge is power. Just remember, if it is fear that is stopping you, then that can be overcome with courage and planning. It is never too late for higher education.