Age diversity in the college classroom

Today's college classroom environments have grown to be pretty diverse when it comes to age. Years ago classes used to be somewhat segregated by age. Not that this was an intentional structure, it was just the way things tended to work out. Traditionally, younger students went to school during the day and working adults, referred to in that day as "non-traditional students", attended classes in the evening. On many college campus today, chances are you'd find a very different scenario.

Age diversity in the classroom is growing

While perhaps daytime classes are still primarily populated by younger students who went straight to college after high school, chances are there may be some older students in the mix. According to 2018 projections, there will be 12.3 million students under 25 in college classes with 7.6 million over age 25. Consequently, evening classes aren't just "reserved" for working adults, it's common to find traditional students taking evening classes as well. Add distance learning to the mix and this further increases age diversity in the college classroom.

Share different life experiences and learn from each other

While both the under and over 25 groups of students experience vast levels of change, the road that led them to the college classroom is typically a different route. This factor alone makes for an interesting learning experience because each population can draw on the other's experiences to gain additional wisdom and/or insight into lessons or classroom discussions.

Adult students returning to college typically carry a unique set of circumstances that led them back into the classroom. On the other hand, recent high school graduates often enroll as to not break the momentum of learning to work towards a future and/or because it's expected by their parents they continue.

When a person heads off to college after graduating high school, it's a huge transition, but the student is already in his or her proverbial groove for going to class and studying. A traditional student’s biggest priority is schoolwork. They’ve yet to start their careers and probably don't carry the heavy responsibilities of job or family. Most likely, they are in the preparation stages of moving in these roles. Chances are most of their high school years have been nurturing them towards this very moment.

On the other hand, 25 and up students usually come with an entirely different set of circumstances that led them to pursue higher education. When these students enroll they typically already have careers, families and, for some, college had to be put off in order to take care of other responsibilities first.

Prepare for the future

Since both younger and older students have different life experiences, perspectives and insight, this can really enhance the learning experience, adding value to the educational journey for all. Older students have previous experience and lessons learned to share, while younger students have their own unique viewpoints and insights into the world. In age-diversified classes, the various generations can learn a lot from one another.

Diversity definitely adds to the college experience. Aside from the actual learning taking place in the classroom, the experience will follow them long after graduation. For instance, taking classes with a good mix of age-diversified students helps prepare for the future. Now that people of all ages, from baby boomers to Gen Z, are working together, they'll have a leg up in today's age-diversified workplaces.  

Most classrooms in colleges today are very age diversified. According to The Chronicle of Education, there are currently five generations of people attending classes. So, chances are good there will be other people in your type of situation taking classes if you decide to enroll in a degree program. No matter your age, you shouldn't worry about registering for those classes!