Many young adults when asked what their profession is will smile and say with some pride, “I’m a student.” However, now when actively aging adults are asked the same thing, the reaction and answer may be the exact same.
As the world grows and shrinks at the same time, a college education is becoming indispensable for even entry-level positions. In response to this phenomenon, many older individuals in the U.S. and abroad are returning to the classroom to help prove their worth in the job market.
One woman in the U.K. graduated from the University of Bristol with the education equivalent of a PhD at the age of 86 and became an instant media darling. And in New Hampshire, a 94-year-old woman earned her bachelor's degree from Southern New Hampshire University with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Advanced degrees, however, are not the only option for returning to the classroom. Several options exist for first-time college students. Perhaps the most viable option for these students would be introductory classes at one of Texas’ many junior colleges such as Lone Star College or Houston Community College in the Houston area, Austin Community College in the Austin area and San Antonio College in the San Antonio area.
Junior colleges offer a much more personalized education in the form of smaller class sizes, and the pricing for these classes are the most competitive in the state. Degrees offered by these institutions serve as an excellent precursor for future university studies and provide indispensable tools to use in the real world. For instance, an Associate of Science degree can provide a working knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Suite, which are essential skills many potential employers look for.
Returning to the classroom may seem like a daunting task, but both junior colleges and universities have developed support programs for students of all ages. Admissions procedures have become simplified, and once classes start, nearly every college or university offers tutoring. Some institutions even offer courses for advanced learners that are not seeking a degree such as Lone Star College’s Academy for Lifelong Learning, which offers a litany of classes across most disciplines for a single membership fee rather than standard tuition rates.
The options are limitless, as is everyone’s capacity for learning—regardless of age.