How's it going folks? Just a quick question -- does anybody know the typical age range of most college students? I'll be applying soon and I'm not exactly a traditional student, so just wanted to get a sense of if I'll be in the minority or not. Thanks in advance!
The typical age range for most college students in the U.S., particularly for undergraduate programs, is about 18 to 22 years old. This is because students often enroll immediately following high school graduation. However, that's not to say older students aren't part of the campus community. Non-traditional students, who might be older than the typical age range due to a variety of reasons such as pursuing a career, serving in the military, or taking a gap year, are becoming increasingly common at many colleges.
For example, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, in recent data, 60% of all college students were aged 25 years or older. This percentage varies depending on the type of institution, with community colleges and online universities often having a higher percentage of older students compared to traditional four-year universities.
So, while you might be in the minority compared to traditional-aged students, know that others may share similar experiences with you on campus. Moreover, many universities have resources and organizations specifically dedicated to non-traditional students to help them navigate their unique college journey. Remember, the goal of higher education is to foster a diverse and inclusive environment, and that includes welcoming students of all ages.
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