Going back to college at 40 can seem like a daunting prospect. Are you too old? Is it worth getting a degree at 40? Will you be able to keep up with the pace of learning? How will your family cope? Will you be the odd one out? So many questions and doubts can fly through your mind. 

The good news is that going to college at 40 can be a positive experience. Sure, it’s a bit more complicated than the first time around, but you’ll also be bringing a wealth of maturity and experience with you.

Understanding Your Unique Position

You might not have the energy or neural plasticity of someone in their early twenties, but what you lack in youthful exuberance, you’ll more than make up for in other areas.

Malcolm Knowles, a key figure in adult education, introduced the idea of andragogy, which focuses on how adults learn best. One key point he made is that adults bring with them a wealth of personal and professional experience, and this can help when learning new things. 

These experiences don’t just help you understand new ideas—they also make it easier to remember them. Adults often think in a problem-solving way, using what they’ve learned in the past to tackle new challenges. This means that when you learn something new, you’re not just adding information to your brain; you’re fitting it into what you already know, making it stick better.

Assessing Your Academic Goals

Before you enroll in a college program, it’s a good idea to ask yourself exactly why you’re doing it. Do you hope to make more money with the new qualification? Will it improve your work-life balance? Do you have a knowledge gap in your current role? Is going back to college at 40 worth it? Knowing your reasons for heading back to college is important. 

Talk to people in your field, and read course descriptions carefully. Going back to college is likely to cost you a lot of time and money, and you need to be sure that you’re moving in the direction you think you are.

Most people starting college are fresh out of school and happy to just go with the flow. For people in their forties, the experience is completely different. You likely have a good idea of what you’d like to learn, and you’ll use it to move your career forward. 

Navigating Financial Considerations

Going back to college at 40 is a big financial decision that's going to require some careful thought. First, you’ll need to figure out how much time you need to dedicate to college. Some people are still able to work and complete their studies in the evenings and on weekends. Other programs might require full-time attendance.

If you’re going the full-time route, you’ll need to cover your tuition and living expenses. You’ll also need to be able to meet any financial obligations that you already have. Items like school fees, mortgage payments, and car payments can be big expenses for people in their forties.

The best way to tackle the financial considerations is to draw up a detailed budget so that you know exactly what your financial position is. There are various options to fund your time at college—you could choose to tap into savings, get a loan, ask your employer, or even live on your spouse’s income for a time if possible.

Time Management and the Balancing Act

You probably already know this, but going back to college at 40 is not going to be simple. You’ll need to balance your responsibilities at home (and possibly work) with the increased workload that college brings. 

College kids might live a carefree life and party too hard, but that’s unlikely to be the case for you. When my husband decided to study further, much more of the childcare burden fell on me. Thankfully, we decided about his studies together, so I was happy to do what I needed to help him advance his career. 

Honestly, though, there were days when it was really difficult, and being clear on the reasons for our decision made all the difference. The conversations might be tough and even seem like they’re adding unnecessary tension, but they are so worth having before you start. 

Discuss how you think this might affect your family and relationship. What might each of you have to give up? How long will it be for? And then agree together that this is your best guess. You might not be able to stick to the plan exactly, but future you will thank you for having this conversation.

Technology and Learning

Colleges use a lot more tech than they did your first time around. You’ll likely submit assignments online and do research online (yes, even libraries and academic publications are online now). AI, plagiarism checkers, digital textbooks, and online classrooms might be new to you, but there’s no need to be intimidated. These systems are designed to be user-friendly, and most colleges offer classes to help you and additional tech support if you need it. 

Make a point of finding out who you can ask for help, and then don’t feel ashamed to ask your classmates if you’re really stuck. I don’t think I know a single teenager who doesn’t love helping adults with their tech problems. And remember, if in doubt, you can always ask Google or an AI like ChatGPT.

Building a Support Network

Building a support network can make your time at college so much easier. Take the time to get your family and close friends on board with what you’re doing. If you have colleagues who followed a similar career path, then meeting up with them occasionally can provide important guidance and encouragement.

Try to be mindful of the connections you’re creating at college. Having someone to bounce ideas off or even ask what’s in the test next week makes you feel less lonely and can help you do even better. 

Maintaining Motivation and Celebrating Achievements

Going back to college is exciting, But at some point, it’s going to feel long and hard. And that’s the exact moment you don’t want to give up. Celebrating small achievements can help keep you motivated and on the path to your long-term goals. 

Passed a test—get an ice cream. Submitted an assignment—post a photo on your family WhatsApp group. Finished the semester—take your spouse out for dinner. Celebrating these little milestones with your loved ones will help keep them excited and motivated too.

Help with Your Next Step

Still not sure if you’re ready? Or if going back to college is even the right path for you? Wondering what's the best degree to get in your 40s? Try our career quizzes to get a better idea of what’s out there and how best to take the next step in your career.