Could I get some uplifting stories of people going to pursue their college degree in the their middle age?

I got my degree at about 40. I did the whole thing online because asynchronous learning worked better for me with two small children, and it was sooooo much easier than when I went to college right after high school because it was a conscious choice I made instead of just what I was supposed to do.

Some of my most interesting students (I'm a university professor) are middle-aged and older people. They often get along very well with the younger students, too.

I’ll be in my 40’s by the time I’m done with school and all the hoops. I think a lot of people are in an even better position to be successful at college in their older years because they know themselves better, aren’t trying to balance a booming social life/thirst for rushes, and are often more organized than 20’s. I think one of the hardest parts was creating a rhythm in my life (routines) that would enable my success at studying, meeting deadlines, keeping my paperwork organized etc. I have ADHD, so that stuff took time to get the hang of. It’s been game changing though once I found systems that worked for me. Itfeels good to be pursuing a goal/pathway that matters to me/aligns with my values and ultimately will improve my/my kiddo’s/my family’s quality of life.


I think it’s worth doing if you know what you want to do with it,mhave an aptitude for the career track, and that it realistically brings in the earnings you’re needing/wanting. Definitely be cautious of degrees in underwater basket weaving and, if you’re considering an online or provided trade program, research their credibility/history.

Busy with my 3rd and 4th module now (almost 47) - started last year. It is tough as I work full day. Takes some adjusting , but it is great when you know you are one step closer to completing a qualification. I do however look forward to semester breaks 🤣

Worked with a graduate student in geology who was a grandmother in her late 50's. She was getting her PhD after working orbital to geoscience while raising her family and working an administrative job. She was awesome.

When I taught in a classroom doing straight classes, I had a retired women who decided to get a bachelor's degree in physics. Because. Just cuz.

A bunch of returning students who were former military. One guy worked pumping liquid oxygen into jets at a strategic air command base near the arctic. Scrambling to get SAC pilots in the air 24/7/365 in all conditions. He was awesome.

A bunch of women who were getting nursing degrees with their kids finally more or less self caring. Like early teens. Or with kids just out of the house. Also awesome.

My divorced mother went back at 46 and earned a bachelors and then a masters in business while working fulltime and with 3 children still at home. 😳

I earned masters at 41. 2 kids at home, but wife was main support, so I did house husband thing.

I went to university as a mature student at 21, finished at 27, and have since done four further quals sponsored by my employer, the Australian government. Had a good 26-year career there so far, and my daughter is in her second year of uni.

My mother's coworker got her degree in her 40s in a distance mode of study.

My aunt got her master's degree in psychology when she was 60.

My brother finished his MBA at 48

Doing it right now. Earning a BA in English.

Have been on the honor roll the whole time and I am honestly shocked at myself.