I was "the old man" in the class when I got my patchwork associate's degree, my last classes I was 39~40. I enjoyed it by then.
After I got hurt, OWCP sent me to school for "retraining." I was in my mid-50's and had been out of school for almost 40 years.. First rehab counselor saw "construction worker," sent me into a drafting program...which I didn't grasp. (I don't get arty things) Convinced them to let me switch to accounting/bookkeeping. Ended up with 3 AS degrees and a fistful of certificates...all of which were worthless. An employer saw an old, gray guy walk in with a cane and resume that had over 30 years of experience in the construction trades...a 5 year gap (that included my schooling) then trying to get work as a bookkeeper or accounting clerk...resume went right in the round file.
I actually liked college. It was great learning new things. At first, I was concerned about trying to "compete" with the kiddies who were recent HS grads...and their heads full of fresh education...turned out...other than math, the kiddies weren't any competition. Every class EXCEPT my lone business math class, (easiest class that met the minimum graduation requirements) I was always in the top 5 of the class...usually #1 or #2. (wow...actually meant jack shit...except as a motivator for me to do better)
I wish I wasn't so fckn math stupid...I'd love (even at my age) to do something like structural engineering.
By the way, I discovered that the Community College I attended stored their Associates degrees on rolls in the bathroom supply closet for alternative uses...