Hey everyone, I'm curious about the average age of college freshmen. When people start college, are they typically 18 years old or does it vary? Would love to hear from current college students on this!
Hey there! While the typical age for starting college as a freshman is 18 years old, it can definitely vary. Some students might enroll in college at a younger age, often due to skipping a grade in high school or opting for early graduation. On the other hand, it's not uncommon for students to take a gap year (or even a few) before starting college, which would make them older than the average freshman.
In some cases, students might also start their college education at a community college before transferring to a four-year institution, which could affect their age upon entering college as a freshman. Furthermore, nontraditional students, such as those who join college after serving in the military or working for several years, may be older when starting college.
In summary, while 18 is the most common age for college freshmen, it does vary and you'll likely find students of different ages in your cohort. College campuses are known for being diverse environments, so don't worry if your age is slightly above or below the average – what's most important is your dedication to learning and personal growth.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.