Anyone "mature" thought of going back to college????

why not? going back to school is great! I did complete my BA long ago, but when I turned 50 I began about 5 years of taking any old class I felt like. I adored it! I worked hard. I got great marks. I got to use my brain! I did feel a bit odd, sitting among 20 yr-olds, but there were other older people besides me. I took physics for lay people (no math required) then moved into religious studies & Eastern religions. Just loved the whole thing.

Finish your degree. If you liked school before, you'll love it this time around.

I say go for it!

maybe consider going to actual classes instead of online? it's more intriguing, I think, and you may have a teacher with an interesting personality who will encourage you...

I did just that. Luckily, my dx and treatment plan did not jeopardize my ability to stay in my program. I really like being a full time student!

Never too late! I wanted to change from a high school to an elementary school teaching credential at age 45. I combined it with a masters degree program and loved it. More meaningful than my original BA. Do it!!

Caryn

pandazankar - I retired in 2006 after 25+ years of being a University counselor.

Over the years, my students ranged from 17 years of age to 95 years of age. (For a while, I ran a program for students over 60 - they could be admitted, enroll, and take classes for $5 a semester as long as they were planning to complete a degree. There was a group of three guys - all in their late 80's - who used to come into my office on a regular basis to flirt with me.)

My absolute favorite students were ReEntry students - those who were older than 26, or who had been out of school for more than 5 years. Truthfully, the professors themselves preferred the older students. 

Most ReEntry students worried about having to compete in the classroom with "younger minds"... let me assure you that "younger minds" may be able to text faster, but as far as critical thinking, you would be amazed at what lifetime experience can do for you, even if you don't know the subject.

Older students aren't as concerned with image, so they are the ones willing to ask questions. (Profs LOVE that!)

They do their homework, they study for tests, they are the ones in the classroom who REALLY want to learn the subject.

And graduation? Now THERE'S a celebration! Such proud families!

One of my students was 63 when she returned to school. She had wanted to become a doctor, but dropped out of medical school when she got married. She became a nurse to support her husband and children. Then he divorced her. Her children were grown, and she decided enough with nursing - she really wanted to teach history. She finished her AA, then her BA, then her MA, and went on to receive her PhD and is now a History professor. 

I've got hundreds of stories like this. You just need to take the first step.

A few tips:

Ask the counselor which of your classes still count for your degree. Requirements change over the years. If there are some lower-division prerequisite classes you need, you can take them for a much lower cost at a community college. This is especially helpful for General Education courses.

As far as Major courses go (especially Upper Division ones), your Department Advisor usually has the power to authorize that your prior work in major courses be allowed as credit under the new catalog requirements. Check this out.

Ask if they have a ReEntry program for older students, and what services are available to you.

Financial Aid is always available in one form or another, but the deadlines are VERY early. Be sure to check with the school you plan to attend what their scholarship deadlines are.

FAFSA (Federal Application for Free Student Aid) applications are usually due March 1 for the coming academic year.

A good website for free scholarships is http://www.fastweb.com/  Most scholarship money goes unawarded.

I would be very happy to be your cheerleader. Feel free to PM me with any questions you might have. 

Can you tell I'm pro-education? 

I have nearly finished a diploma in counselling. I am 56 years. I had terrible side effects after Treatment of Her2 Breast cancer. I have had the time of my life. I highly recommend it. So I say go for it.