How old is too old...

[Zeus]

There's no limit, Rich.  My wife just finished a graduate degree she had to get to keep her teaching job, due to a change in accreditation requirements at her school...she is in her mid-50s.

My wife at the time got her masters in Sp/ed in her early 30's. With her new degree and job her salary almost doubled.

Rich as somewhat already posted, the regrets over things not done are harder to live with than the regret over things done.

I went back to school in my 40's. I was scared about having to compete with people half my age and the fact I hadn't been to school in 2 decades.

One afternoon myself and a couple other of the older students were outside smoking and shooting the breeze while on break from a class. the Instructor joined us and we asked how were doing, he said we were all doing fine in fact were tops in the class. we asked how that could be when the youngsters should still have some of the information still fresh in their minds and more disciplined study habits. he said us older students because of life experiences were better at picking out the salient matter from the chafe and applying it correctly.

I CLEP'ed all allowable courses and made the deans list both Semesters attended.  I felt pretty good about that. Shortly thereafter my boss (me) and my tax accountant said I warranted a raise.

Needless to say this was not a liberal arts degree program.

[rich_t]

In what other ares are you interested?

I would like to stay in the telecommunications/IT field.  It's pretty much all I know, and I enjoy it for the most part.

[cmypay]

Something else you might consider is looking into the distance learning through a traditional brick and mortar school. Here in NC, several colleges and universities have programs that can be completed entirely on-line. Not sure about IT programs, but it's possible.

[CG6468]

I would like to stay in the telecommunications/IT field.  It's pretty much all I know, and I enjoy it for the most part.

Thanks for reading through my typo!

Maybe your own business, contracting with companies/local governments/people who need your expertise?

I did a computerized cemetery organization once, but it was really slow since most cemeteries don't have much money, even though if they lost their records through fire, flood, or whatever, they'd be out of business, since they can't sell any lots if they don't know where people are and aren't buried. I did 5 cemeteries.

[rich_t]

Something else you might consider is looking into the distance learning through a traditional brick and mortar school. Here in NC, several colleges and universities have programs that can be completed entirely on-line. Not sure about IT programs, but it's possible.

I've been looking into that.  Haven't had any luck in my preferred programs.

[rich_t]

Thus far I have ruled out DeVry and University of Phoenix.  Mostly related to cost.

I did find one school that really interests me.  American InterContinental University.  They have 4 brick and mortar campuses and have the same accreditation as DeVry.  They offer accelerated degrees in Bachelor of Information Technology (with specializations in Network Administration and Information Assurance and Security).

Under the accelerated programs I can have my BIT degree in as little as 30 months.  The price is right (a shade over $54K total).  They are also on the approved tuition reimbursement list for my employer.  My employer will reimburse me up to $8K per year for this school (most of which is tax exempt), which does help significantly with my out of pocket costs.  I should also be able to write of some the un-reimbursed expenses on my federal tax returns.

[seahorse513]

Thus far I have ruled out DeVry and University of Phoenix.  Mostly related to cost.

I did find one school that really interests me.  American InterContinental University.  They have 4 brick and mortar campuses and have the same accreditation as DeVry.  They offer accelerated degrees in Bachelor of Information Technology (with specializations in Network Administration and Information Assurance and Security).

Under the accelerated programs I can have my BIT degree in as little as 30 months.  The price is right (a shade over $54K total).  They are also on the approved tuition reimbursement list for my employer.  My employer will reimburse me up to $8K per year for this school (most of which is tax exempt), which does help significantly with my out of pocket costs.  I should also be able to write of some the un-reimbursed expenses on my federal tax returns.

That is the University I went to. I really liked it. Make sure you do the virtual classes, they are usually twice a week and very valuable in the learning process..I got my Associates of Business from them..

[RightCoast]

My dad was in his mid fifties when he took his first college course, he ended up with a Master's degree and is now an LCSW for the VA, he is past mandatory retirement age but keeps going year-year as a contract employee.

[rich_t]

I have no idea about your industry, but what I was thinking was screw the degree and get yourself certifications, should they exist in your field.

I was confronted with the same dilemma you're describing, but as I already have an undergrad degree, pursuing a master's degree simply wasn't worth the money and what I MIGHT get out of another employment opportunity. So instead of a master's degree, I got a certification in the American Society for Quality systems as a Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Effectiveness. (Yeah, I know it's a bullshit, faggoty sounding thing, but that's what they call it). Studying for that exam took about six months and it was, without a doubt, the toughest exam I've ever taken -- but I passed it and now have that cute sounding set of acronyms after my name on my business card. 

Any chance for certifications, as opposed to a full-blown degree?

Sorry Eupher.  I was reviewing the thread and realized that I missed your question.

There are several certifications available in networking, but they have become a bit watered down over the years due to so many folks having them.  As an example, 15 years or so ago, a CCNA could get a job (entry level) making 40-50K with no problem.  Now, that same certification might get 50K if you are lucky.  The same job pays less when adjusted for inflation.  In addition, you have to re-certify every 4 years.

I understand that the degree won't guarantee better employment opportunities for me personally, but I suspect it will greatly increase the chances.

[rich_t]

I would like to thank you all for your words of encouragement and for relating your personal experiences.

[rich_t]

Well...

I pulled the trigger today.

I just finished the enrollment application.  I went with American Intercontinental University. 
If all works out as planned, my 1st class will start on 4/23.

Wish me luck.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous about going back to school after about 29 years.

[SSG Snuggle Bunny]

Definitely not too old:



 

Sorry for the thread-jack.

[cmypay]

Well...

I pulled the trigger today.

I just finished the enrollment application.  I went with American Intercontinental University. 
If all works out as planned, my 1st class will start on 4/23.

Wish me luck.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous about going back to school after about 29 years.

Sweet! I'm sure you'll do fine! I find that my returning students are much better and more dedicated students.

[thundley4]

Definitely not too old:



 

Sorry for the thread-jack.

Do you know how difficult it is to explain a picture like that to my wife when she sees it over my shoulder?

[SSG Snuggle Bunny]

Do you know how difficult it is to explain a picture like that to my wife when she sees it over my shoulder?

Just explain to her you hang-out on the internet with a bunch of perverts.

DUH!

I guess she hasn't seen your frequent patronage of the Short Bus Forum, huh?

 

[redwhit]

Well...

I pulled the trigger today.

I just finished the enrollment application.  I went with American Intercontinental University. 
If all works out as planned, my 1st class will start on 4/23.

Wish me luck.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous about going back to school after about 29 years.

Fantastic!  If your experience is anything like mine, you'll find the whole experience far more interesting and rewarding this time around.

[NHSparky]

Do you know how difficult it is to explain a picture like that to my wife when she sees it over my shoulder?

Not as hard as other body parts she sees over your shoulder.

Or as difficult.

[chitownchica]

Any interest in working as a pre-sales systems engineer/consultant? The degree might be a hangup, but possibly not.

The money is good.  If you have any interest in finding out more, feel free to contact me.  

ETA:  I don't think it's ever too late to go back to school, but the cost is certainly a concern.