Just curious, what's the average or most common age for students currently enrolled in college? I know mostly everyone starts right after high school, but I've also heard of people taking gap years.
For the majority of students in colleges and universities in the U.S., you'll find them in the age range of 18 to 22, as most students pursue higher education directly out of high school. Nonetheless, due to the diverse ways that people can embark on their educational journey, there's a considerable number of students who fall outside of this age range.
Taking gap years before starting college, returning to school after time in the workforce, or pursuing education later in life for personal enrichment or career advancement are all common scenarios leading to an older student population. That said, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data indicates that the average age at most universities rests around 21.
It's important to remember that every student's path is unique. Age is just a number and doesn't define your ability to learn or succeed in educational environments. Whether you're the traditional college age, a bit younger, or even a non-traditional student, pursuing higher education in any form can open doors and provide valuable experiences.
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