Older Students: Are Universities Ageist?

While universities do not impose an age limit on students, older students often face challenges when pursuing higher education. Despite the benefits they bring to campus, such as enhanced diversity, maturity, and real-world experience, universities often fall short in providing adequate support for these nontraditional students. Juggling jobs, family commitments, and financial constraints, older students may struggle to fit in and feel isolated from their younger peers. Additionally, academic calendars and rigid structures may clash with their other responsibilities, making it difficult for them to fully engage in campus life.

Lack of support for older students

Despite the fact that older students are an increasingly important market for universities, many institutions do not cater to their specific needs. This can make the college experience particularly stressful for older students, who often have to juggle their studies with work, parenting, and caring for elderly parents.

Academic calendars

The academic calendar of many schools does not take into account the other responsibilities of adult learners, clashing with work and family commitments.

Childcare

Although some universities, such as Portland State University, provide childcare services, many collectively have reduced the availability of campus childcare. The average campus daycare center has a waiting list of 80 children.

Financial aid

Financial aid is often not enough to cover the entire cost of college for older students. State financial aid is not always available to people over a certain age or past a certain number of years after graduating from high school. Federal Pell Grants are limited to the equivalent of six years.

Credit transfers

Older students who try to transfer previously earned credits often find that more than 40% are not accepted, and some of those that are do not count toward their major. This means they have to take the same subjects again, while their eligibility for financial aid decreases.

Social inclusion

Older students often feel like outsiders and struggle to fit in with their younger classmates. This can be due to differences in life experiences, perspectives, and the use of technology.

Juggling jobs, kids and bills

Juggling jobs, kids, and bills while in university as an older student can be challenging, but it is certainly achievable. Here are some strategies to help you succeed:

• Choose the right program: Opt for a graduate program that aligns with your professional goals and offers flexibility in structure and timeframe. Consider online or hybrid programs that can provide more flexibility.
• Develop a support system: Reach out to your social circle, including family, friends, and colleagues, and make them aware of your academic pursuits. Seek their support in managing responsibilities and delegating tasks.
• Manage time effectively: Prioritize your commitments and create a schedule that balances family, work, and study time. Set boundaries and communicate your availability to your boss, coworkers, and family.
• Work smarter, not harder: Develop efficient systems for household chores, bill payments, and running errands. Anticipate demanding periods and adjust your focus accordingly. Incorporate time-management strategies such as the Pomodoro Technique to improve productivity and prevent burnout.
• Build a network: Connect with your peers, professors, and classmates. Being part of a network can provide support and help you navigate challenges. It can also open doors to future job prospects.
• Choose the right university: Select a university that provides targeted support for older students. Look for institutions that offer evening classes, part-time programs, and online courses. Some universities have dedicated centers or services specifically for adult learners, veterans, or parents.
• Take care of yourself: Juggling multiple responsibilities can be demanding, so it's important to prioritize self-care. Eat healthily, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Make time for stress-relieving activities to stay centered and maintain your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Many universities recognize the importance of supporting older students, and there are resources and networks available to help you succeed.

Difficulty paying for education

Older students returning to education often face challenges when it comes to paying for their college education. Many are supporting a family and saving for their children's future education and retirement, and so find it difficult to pay out of pocket for their own education.

Financial aid is available, but it often doesn't cover the entire cost of fees. Students aged 25 and over are considered independent on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and so do not need to provide parental information to determine federal student aid eligibility. This means that their aid is only based on their income and not their family's. This can work in their favour, with some students qualifying for more federal financial aid. However, if an older student has a decent income and savings, they may find they get less financial aid than if they had applied straight out of high school with their parents' information.

State financial aid also often isn't available to people over a certain age or past a certain number of years after graduating from high school. Federal Pell Grants are limited to six years, and GI Bills are limited to 36 months of education.

Tips for older students

• Take advantage of tax breaks: enrolling as an independent student can lead to a tax credit.
• Choose a flexible study program that fits around work and family commitments.
• Look for institutions that offer targeted support for older students, such as evening classes or online learning.
• Be cautious of advice aimed at high school seniors, as this tends to emphasise a traditional campus experience.
• Find a college with other adult learners: community colleges or four-year schools with degree programs that attract other adult learners.

Ageism and feeling out of place

Older students often juggle multiple responsibilities outside of their academics, such as jobs, family commitments, and financial obligations. This can lead to feelings of not fitting in, especially if their peers are traditional students who do not share the same concerns. Additionally, academic calendars and course structures may not always accommodate the unique needs of older students, making it challenging for them to balance their commitments.

To address these concerns, older students can take proactive steps to connect with their peers and find support. Joining study groups, participating in online discussions, and attending campus events can help foster a sense of belonging. Additionally, choosing institutions that cater to nontraditional students and offer flexible scheduling can make a significant difference.

While feelings of isolation are common, it is important to remember that older students bring valuable life experiences, unique perspectives, and a strong sense of motivation to their academic pursuits. Recognizing the benefits they bring to the classroom and valuing their contributions can help older students feel more included and enhance their overall university experience.

• Connect with peers: Engage with classmates and join study groups to foster a sense of belonging.
• Find the right institution: Choose a college or university that caters to nontraditional students and offers flexible scheduling.
• Be proactive: Participate in online discussions, attend campus events, and seek out support services to address any concerns.
• Leverage life experience: Recognize that your life experiences can enrich your academic pursuits and provide valuable insights to your peers.
• Stay organized: Prioritize time management and organize your schedule to balance academics with other commitments effectively.

Less time for socialising

Older students may have less time for socialising due to other commitments such as work, parenting, and caring for elderly parents. This can make it challenging to connect with peers and feel a sense of belonging, which is an important part of the university experience.

For example, a 36-year-old divorced mother of three, Jade Souza, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Spanish language and literature at Portland State University. She works full-time and has to juggle her studies with raising her children and managing financial obligations. Souza expresses that it can be difficult to relate to her younger classmates, who may not understand the challenges she faces as an older student.

Similarly, Danielle Ridgeway, a 36-year-old student and mother of two, attends Portland State University while working full-time and raising her children. She mentions that it can be challenging to attend social events with her classmates due to her other commitments. Ridgeway also feels like an outsider at times, as her life experiences and perspectives differ from those of traditional-aged students.

Older students may also have to prioritise their studies over social activities to manage their time effectively. They may need to be selective about the social events they attend and may not be able to fully immerse themselves in the typical university social scene.

However, it is important to note that older students bring a wealth of real-world experience and unique perspectives to the university environment. They often have clear goals and are highly motivated to complete their degrees, which can lead to a more focused and engaged approach to their studies.

While older students may have less time for socialising, they can still find ways to connect with their peers and make the most of their university experience. For example, joining study groups, participating in online discussions, and attending campus events that align with their interests can help foster a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, universities that offer targeted support and flexible scheduling can help older students balance their commitments and feel more included.

Frequently asked questions