Advantages and rationales for commencing education at the age of 30
Studying Over 30: A Fresh Start for a Brighter Future
For those considering a return to education in their later years, the benefits are plentiful and varied. Age is no barrier to pursuing higher learning, especially as one embarks on a new chapter of their life.
Experience and Skills in Demand
Employers are increasingly attracted to mature students due to their wealth of experience and skills. By the age of 30, one may have accumulated significant professional experience, which can be invaluable in the classroom and the workplace.
Health and Longevity Benefits
Studying over 30 can also lead to improved health and longevity outcomes. College graduates tend to have better health metrics, live longer (on average six years more), experience lower obesity rates, and lower stress hormone levels compared to those with only a high school diploma [1].
Financial and Scholarship Support
Financial concerns should not deter prospective students. Many scholarships specifically target adult learners, who often have greater financial responsibilities. These awards typically have no age restrictions and accommodate part-time and full-time enrollment, offering flexibility [4].
Credit for Work Experience
Some colleges offer credits for prior work experience, allowing adult students to graduate faster and save money by bypassing prerequisites. This self-paced learning is designed for those balancing careers and family commitments [2].
Balancing Work and Study
Studying while working full-time can be challenging, but it allows one to maintain income and apply new knowledge immediately at work. Managing work-study-life balance is essential for success [3][5].
Career Advancement
Tuition reimbursement programs by employers incentivize adult learners to pursue education, enhancing skills and loyalty at work [5].
Flexible Study Options
Modern student apartments are available for those over 30 seeking comfort away from shared living spaces and have the financial means to maintain a higher standard of living. Many universities and universities of applied sciences offer part-time study programs and distance learning, accommodating those with family and work commitments [6].
Supportive Environments
Supportive family environments, like partners or grandparents, can help with family and study balance. Universities also offer childcare facilities, making it possible to balance family, children, and university [7].
Embracing Change and Continuous Learning
Studying at 30 and above can be a sign of willpower, ambition, and flexibility. Continuing education, career reorientation, or starting a degree for the first time after turning 30 is not uncommon. Life experience can be an advantage in finding solutions for study-related obstacles [8].
Conclusion
In summary, studying over 30 offers health, financial, experiential, and career benefits, especially when education is integrated with work experience and supported by adult-friendly policies. Educational leave or educational part-time can be agreed with the employer for those who want to study without completely changing their lifestyle. A part-time job through a professional network or savings can help fund studies. Not all students fit the stereotype of relying on parental support [9].
So, if you're over 30 and considering a return to education, remember that it's never too late to pursue your dreams and embark on a new journey of learning and personal growth.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/healthymeasures/data/indicator-details/10_Years_of_Life_Expectancy_at_Age_65_by_Education:_Age-Adjusted_Years_of_Life_Expectancy_at_Age_65_by_Education_Level:US [2] https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2018/03/27/596778937/college-credit-for-prior-learning-a-growing-trend-but-with-limits [3] https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2018/data-on-display/education-and-training.htm [4] https://www.fastweb.com/scholarship-search/college-scholarships-for-adult-students [5] https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2018/data-on-display/education-and-training.htm [6] https://www.stuwo.at/en/students/studying-at-stuwo/ [7] https://www.univie.ac.at/kinder-und-familie/ [8] https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/24/smarter-living/going-back-to-school-over-30.html [9] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/returning-to-college-as-an-adult-what-you-need-to-know
- Enhancing one's lifestyle and career prospects, mature students can benefit from pursuing education in their later years, as employers value their wealth of experience and skills.
- Continuing education, whether for personal or professional growth, can also provide health and longevity benefits, with college graduates typically having better health metrics and living longer compared to those with only a high school diploma.
