Is 24 a Bad Age to Start University?

No, 24 is not a bad age to start university. Many people begin their higher education later in life for various reasons such as work, family commitments, or personal growth. Starting university at 24 can bring valuable life experiences that enhance your perspective and motivation. Additionally, universities often have diverse student populations, so you will likely find peers in similar situations.

Personal Experience with Delayed University Start

I had a false start at college right out of high school. I had no idea why I was there and only stayed a quarter. But I went to community college for a couple of quarters and figured out what I wanted to do. Then I finished two associate degrees while learning to fly. After 9/11, when I was 28, I started and finished my first degree at 30. From there, I worked my way up at several jobs and went back to school at 38 to earn a master's degree, then finished an engineering degree at 46. It's never too late to start or finish, so long as you have a plan.

The Circumstances Change a Lot

While 24 is not too old to start university, the circumstances significantly change. Here are a few key points to consider:

Graduation Rates

In general, students who start university right out of high school or at a younger age have a much higher graduation rate compared to those who start at 24. For instance, a student starting at 23 might have a graduation rate of about 60% compared to 40% for those starting at 24.

Opportunity Cost

For teenagers entering college, the opportunity cost is often ignored. However, for a student who starts at 24, they might be earning around $40,000 per year, which is a significant opportunity cost that needs to be considered.

Financial Aid

At age 24, a student becomes independent when applying for financial aid. FAFSA rules no longer factor in parental income, but student loans can be more challenging to obtain due to higher borrowing amounts. This is a good news/bad news situation, as parental income is no longer a factor, but the student may face more financial constraints.

Parental Support

Over 85% of parents provide at least some financial support for their teenagers entering college. When it comes to a 23-year-old, it is much lower. This can significantly impact a student's ability to pay for education and other expenses.

Maturity and Preparation

One significant advantage for a 24-year-old is maturity. This can be an enormous benefit, especially when entering a field that requires advanced mathematical skills. It is anecdotal, but it makes sense that a student might have stronger recall of concepts learned five years ago.

Conclusion

In the end, what matters most is your readiness and commitment to pursue your education. Whether you start at 18 or 24, your passion and dedication will ultimately determine your success. There are numerous success stories of individuals who started university later in life and went on to achieve great things.