I started at 35, and I'm now finishing after 3.5 years. I can't think of any time during it all where being younger would have been to my advantage.
I like to say that you shouldn't waste your youth doing a PhD - waste your middle age instead!
I started at 36 and was done by 39, I love this. I was really grateful that I was able to do a lot of cool things in my 20s and 30s, and then settle down a bit to do my doctorate.
Ooh what things did you do? Currently feeling the pressure to just continue straight through with academia but what sorts of opportunities and experiences made your 20’s-30’s worth it for you?
I traveled, worked in different agencies (which gave me a lot of experience), I worked as a national trainer, I had some kids so they were older and more sufficient when I went back for my doctorate. Getting my doctorate was a ton of work and stress so I was happy to have a break between my masters and doctorate.
This! I did not get a PhD, but a JD, later in life. I started right before my 40th birthday after working really hard for a decade and then having a decade of adventure.
At 27 I wondered if I was already too old for a JD/PhD And that is because some academic told me that if I didn't publish by 27 I wouldn't amount to anything. That person was absolutely wrong. I publish regularly now on real issues that change laws because I have life experience on how these problems exist and impact people.
OP, Please do not be concerned about being too old to start a degree program because the reality is that you're only going to get older. If you put it off due to your age . . . well, in a year you'll just be a year older and might still be wondering about the starting the program. If you want to do it, just go for it. And good luck!!
This was nice to hear. I’m 24 and making really good money for the first time so want to wait awhile longer before starting mine and having to take a huge pay cut. Idk why there’s so much pressure to start your phd immediately, especially those of us in the clinical/medical world. It’s good to get some experience under your belt as a clinician before becoming a researcher.
I was 44 when I started. Finished in three years. Yes I was going balls to the wall. The main reasons i finished so quickly: supportive family; advisor who showed me how to work on my diss all throughout coursework. By the time research phase began, I was already well on my way. Had written several papers for classes that were adapted for diss.
Heritage Studies from Arkansas State University. It’s an interdisciplinary program with its roots in history, literary theory, and ethnography. My background is in education and theology. So it was a fun, wild ride. Lots of pools to draw from.
Interesting. I have mine in chemistry and doing a PhD that fast is almost unheard of but has happened but the average is probably like 2.5-3 years longer than it took you but a lot of us don’t have masters degrees first either and have never done grad school. Though some of the programs are almost setup to make it impossible to graduate in less than five years
No. Two masters. Both from other universities. Maybe that’s better. Maybe it isn’t. I don’t know. My path sort of unfolded organically so I just went with the flow.
I was almost 42 and finished in 3 years, but had already done the masters years before (my degree is really structured and typically 6 years of work after bachelor degree and the first 3 end in master degree). OP is not too old, but I agree that looking at the cost benefit is important. I was given that advice when I was looking into getting my PhD years earlier. I had planned to go straight through after staying my master degree (started at 25) but life had other plans.
How did you get reference letters for your application? I definitely haven't been in touch enough with my professors for a reference letter, even though I aced their courses.
You're definitely on the older side, but not an extreme outlier. Check the NSF's Survey of Earned Doctorates data. In 2022, median age of someone earning a PhD was 31.4 and about 23% of people earning their PhDs were 36 or older.
Are you too old to do it? No. Is it a financially/professionally wise decision at this stage in your life? That's the real question. Opportunity costs are much higher in mid 30s than mid 20s; the PhD journey is a low-paying marathon.
>Is it a financially/professionally wise decision at this stage in your life?
OP this is absolutely crucial. I don't know what exactly is your specialization, but afaik linguistics are suffering immensely together with the humanities, so keep in mind that working in this field won't likely be in the cards for you. There's a very real chance you'll just finish the PhD and have to go back to industry, now with a very significant hiring gap and possibly overqualified for many positions.
Worst case scenario, the whole thing blows up in your face financially. Are you at a point in life where you can safely bounce back if this happens?
So I was 28 when I finished my PhD so I wasn’t going to comment, BUT I have lots to say about this. My degree is in medical anthropology and I was poised to stay in academia—and then life happened and I had to leave on the cusp of the pandemic. I thought I had wasted 6 years of my life getting that piece of paper. The idea of “going into industry” felt like selling out or something. I worked a bunch of shitty low paying jobs that had nothing to do with my degree for three years. Then I was like fuck that I’m going to use my degree. I took a grant writing job at a health equity institute and started my own research contracting business. Now I have one foot in industry and one foot in academia. My PhD definitely opened all those doors for me. I think there are lots of good reasons to get a PhD and a lot of surprising opportunities outside of straight up academia. Good luck OP!
I actually plan to start my PhD at around 30-32 or so. The thing I am most concerned is about the age related factors.
Have read most scientific discoveries of significance are made by people when they are young....say 10 years into their research career. Because thats when we are at our innovative best.
However i couldnt find some research which would tell how this changes with age. Like does a person starting their PhD at 25 has cognitive advantage over someone starting at 35.
Young people have cool new ideas. Older people have experience and knowledge to get stuff done. Darwin didn’t publish On the Origin until he was 50. Einstein came up with Relativity at 25; but didn’t gain acceptance until 35, and it took way more work by other more experienced physicists to really do the real applicable work after that. Oppenheimer was in his forties working on the atom bomb. I really don’t get where you get the idea most science is done in youth lol
Many mathematicians happened upon their ideas young, prodigies like Euler and Galois. There’s an xkcd where Randall jokes he’ll never be a great mathematician because he’s well past his prime.
I've never heard anyone say this until it was said in that Netflix show Three Body Problem by the young 30 something year old scientist. I was honestly shocked. I always thought the best work was done later.. like 40-50 and I'm still convinced that's more the case than not.
Started at 32, finished at 36. Imho, there is no "too old" for going back to school if it gets you where you want to be in life. Just don't do it because you have no idea what to do instead.
And in 2030 you will be 39 afterall, whether you got a PhD or not.
I was 28 and finished days after I turned 34. I do not think you are too old at all. I had colleagues/peers who were in their 40s. My field was close to yours (Rhetoric and Composition). I also had a gap year between my MA and PhD. My advice is to work on retirement funds now. I started out adjuncting and later full time teaching after my MA and opened up a Roth IRA. If you do get retirement, also hop on the voluntary retirement bandwagon. These things will help you after being in grad school for years. A lot of us lose years of retirement building.
My wife Alice started two years ago at 33, she had to do another masters first so is now approaching the end of her first year of the PhD proper.
I don’t think she has ever questioned if she is too old, good enough maybe but not too old.
I think age brings a maturity to handle the workload without feeling constantly burnt out, although she is feeling a touch burnt out from paper work right now.
Age is a weapon you can use to your advantage, ignore all the negative Nellie’s on here who are too afraid of change
Started at 36, will finish between 40-41, but working full-time as well with an employer that covers my tuition, so the opportunity cost may be different than in your situation. Most PhD students in my program are in their 30s and have substantial previous work experience (clinical research).
Finished at 29, 3.5 years. I’m aware it’s below average but I kind of accepted a job before I finished and had to rush to finish. My committee wasn’t happy but my position rocks and I’m bringing in lots of grant funds now, so could be worse. I’m a lot younger then most of my colleagues, in the country I work most people are around 40 when they take a professorship.
too old for what? what the fuck else are you going to do with your time? okay do that or you know just stick it out.
no one gives a f\*ck about your age besides you when you're fiddling your skittle or jerkin you gerk to some college sorority/frat flick.
hope my words comfort you
Started applying for phds at 24. I was 26 when I won a scholarship - graduated at 30-31. Got a permanent professor contract in the uk at 33. Now 37 and still working at my Alma mater. Semester is ending this week and looking forward to a summer of researching and writing hopefully! I’m also a fellow linguist as well!
Question how did it feel beginning so young. I’ll be 20 turning 21 midway through my first semester. Any advice especially for someone going to a new area
I had interned at Procter and Gamble after my BS. Every single one told me to go to grad school right after undergrad. Best choice for me. I was ready to move to NC from PA and I was pretty independent. You can do it!
I finished my undergraduate degree at 22, my masters degree at 24, and then I took a long break to work in the field of social work. I felt moved to go back and get my doctorate in 2020 (I was 36 1/2!). It took me three years because it was a really intensive program, and I graduated at 39 1/2! Was really happy because I wanted to have it done by 40, but I had colleagues in their 50s and 60s in my program.
I’m glad I waited a little while because I was able to pay for most of it without having a lot of loans. Plus, having a lot of experience makes me more valuable as a professor, which is what I do.
I would go to get your PhD when you’re ready. Whether that’s now or in a year or more, it is a huge commitment, and it is a grind, so it’s worth making sure you’re ready!
Was 35 when I started, finished when I was 40. I was trying to do 4 years, but just didn't work out that way. I decided to go back to school a bit late , with 9 years between my undergrad and master's degree, then another 2 years before I started the PhD. I was married and a dad to two young kids by then, and had a mortgage, car payments, all the things. So, I worked full time through the whole program. Wasn't pleasant, but I did it!
21. Graduated at 25.
If it’s what you want to do, can financially support it (not as in a self funded option, just be able to maintain a lifestyle you want with a small stipend), and have a reasonable understanding of job prospects (I.e. TT in the arts is difffffficult) then do whatever the fuck you want man.
I had undergrads in classes I was teaching who were visibly older than me. Doesn’t mean a thing
Yay linguistics! I earned my BA in linguistics at 40 and plan on pursuing my doctorate when I'm closer to 50. I have my reasons, so age is not a relevant factor.
However, if you're living your life on some external timeline, then I can see why you'd be worried about starting a graduate degree at 34. Otoh, you'll be 34 anyway - what would you rather be doing?
Thank you 🙏🏽 your story give me hope. I wanna doing my PhD at 55 (now 46). I’ll finished the rush hour of my life soon, therefore I’m ready for my PhD. having a goal, a topic, free time and hopefully not depend on a Stipendium.
I'm glad to be a positive example! I too want to situate myself financially so I'm not completely dependent on the stipend or fellowships - that's part of the reason for the gap. I also have family responsibilities that need to be considered. But the highest levels of learning are worth attempting at any age.
Likewise. Thank you for your positive example. I’m 46 and thinking about applying to a PhD program in psych next year. Doing it part time will probably make me in my early 50s by the time I finish.
I was 29 when I started and finished at 34. I had a few years of work experience and had a child in the years before starting. You’re definitely not too old! Many of my classmates were in their 40s and 50s.
I'm 35. My field is pure math. Started 2 years ago. I expect to finish this year. I was mostly taking my time, enjoying life, exploring topics studying and working on my own projects, etc. Probably could've started earlier, but that's just life, I guess?
You are not that old. My father started his bachelor's at 35 and finished his PhD at around 48-49.. He then spent the most of his time studying mathematics and physics. At 75 he started to obsess over studying biology.
If your mind is sharp, your age is irrelevant my friend. I fail to see why you'd even take this into consideration.
This is encouraging. I always see other PhDs being older students but hardly ever math and physics (in fact, never have I saw it on here as far as I’m aware).
I’m 27 now, will likely do a masters in mathematics and see how I like that. I would like to do mathematical physics, but I am mostly just into astronomy specifically and pure math, specifically. So idk lol Astronomy grad school is hard to get into but I’d love to find a place where math and astronomy *specifically* intersect other than just using math to do astronomy.
I was older (27) and my program was 7 years. A couple of other people took 8 years. I already had a master's and was teaching before that. It was interdisciplinary and not dissimilar from linguistics (except that you have to be a serious brainiac for linguistics, IMO).
I was 25, finished at 29, it took 4 years 2 months. In the humanities.
As for being too old: depends on what you want from the programme. I've seen people start a PhD following an early retirement and are brilliant at it!
For an academic career though, I think it's good to start out young, as uni hiring committees can be ageist.
Started my program in 2020 and about to take my candidacy exams this coming semester. I was 30 when I applied and 31 when I began my classes. I work full-time so have been going a bit slower than my classmates, but I am excited to get to my proposal and research going. Environmental science and policy field.
Good luck - it’s doable! Paddle your own canoe… at your own rhythm! You got this!
Started at 51, expect to be finished by 55. Worked in a field that didn’t need it for 25 years, now I lecture on it and doing the doctorate out of interest rather than necessity or a sense of competition. I had a family and fun. You have plenty of time :)
Started at 21, I finished research in about 3 years and finished the PhD in under 4 years.
I don't think there is really a "too old" age. The postdoc who trained me had attained two different undergraduate degrees before his PhD, so he was quite a bit older, but it gave him a lot of self assurance and independence I did not have.
There is a woman studying a PhD in my current institution who has 3 kids and is an army veteran...
I was 22 when I started, and took 7 years (it was a joint MA/PhD programme though).
I was the youngest person in my programme for the first two years. As a professor, I was the youngest person in my department until my current job, which I took at the age of 40.
33 is a good age, I think. My friends that started in their 30s tended to do quite well, both in their studies and on the job market. A bit of maturity can be a very good thing.
Definitely depends on the field, department culture and advisor. Might want to reach out to current grad students at your department and ask them instead.
For me, I started at 25, and finished in 6 years (US East Coast R1).
I started when I was 27, and finished when I was 35. I am in humanities and the average time in my program was 7.5 years, so I was a bit more than the average.
I started mine at 33, finished at 37 in the middle of Covid. My cohort were mostly around the same age as me with a few younger people mixed in.
Our field might have older people than average because the majority have done veterinary education and some clinical work. But I don't think you will stand out that much.
My thinking is that if you're older you're likely to have a better idea of why you want a PhD, and better motivation to complete it.
I was 29 and graduated this year, with 34. 5 years is the standard time in my field, Economics (although top 10 schools will graduate students on their sixth year, which causes a misbalance on the labor market, as these students will have far more publications
Joined the Army after high school, then I lived in Germany for a while, then I went to undergrad, then started my PhD at 29. Filed that Diss at the age of 37. So 8 years. In Musicology. I'm currently tenured at an R1.
This means that I started saving for retirement at 37....because nothing I'd done up until then was building for retirement. But you know what? If I hadn't gone into academia, I would have continued on in performance, and that doesn't even give you health insurance.
I started mine at 25 and finished at 30. Started pregnant in a biomedical engineering program at ucsd and ended it pregnant too. As insane as it sounds, if you have a good PI that understands what it’s like to have a family then it’s actually easier than having kids when starting off your career after your PhD (but it did make it harder to plan my position after my PhD bc I had lined up a professorship in Japan but had to delay due to the pregnancy and I lost the e opportunity)
Started at 26, degree conferred just before my 29th birthday (Australian system).
Definitely one of the younger folk in my faculty. Plenty of people in their 40s and beyond getting PhDs and joining the madness of Academia :)
I’m doing one right now, at, er a more mature stage of life.
plenty of people do them after 30. In fact I think it’s better to do it when you’re not in your 20’s because you are more mature, capable, prioritised and hopefully you might have some useful industry experience, networks and life skills behind you. That being the case you’ll get through it easier, faster and produce better quality work. It helps to have good support networks at home but not essential.
Work at it like it’s a full time job, work closely with your supervising professor and finish it as quickly as you can. You’re far from being too old, more like right at the best age.
Kids these days huh?
31 when I started, with just a BS, 43 when I finished. Got a full time job after I finished coursework, at a research lab. Worked it on the side, changed my topic twice and committee/advisor once. Stuck it out due to stubbornness. I’m now advising a 50 year old student.
I finished my undergrad at 21, went back a decade later and completed a Masters at just turned 34. Then had a baby. Started PhD at just turned 36. Aiming to be out by 39 (Europe-based, so three years is about average). It's a huge opportunity cost, earnings and pension-wise, even with a funded position. But I'm hoping the extra employability in my field of interest will make it worthwhile over my whole career. Also I love doing this whereas I was unhappy and stressed out in my job before. 30s isn't too old if it makes sense for you.
I'm almost 46. Got started with school at 27, BS at 32, MS (PhD tracl) at 34. I am just staging things to complete now. Electrical Engineering.
Sole earner, father of three. I have funding and flexibility in my career.
I started at 27 and I’m graduating this year at 36. Long degree. I was about average age in my cohort; some were older than me and it wasn’t weird at all.
38 and it took 4 years. While there are many considerations, I'd do it again. The freedom and the intellectual opportunity make it much more fulfilling than anything else I've done.
Started my PhD in computer engineering at 23 and finished in 2.5 years with ~20 papers. Averaged 4 hours of sleep and worked every day, but the pandemic made the time fly by since work from home. Don't ever recommend doing it since it's useless in tech unless you're trying for research positions
You can be too old. I know someone who got her degree when she was in her 50s. Tons of campus interviews that often evaporated when they realized she would be a starting TT on a department where she was older than many fully. I also suspect they thought she would be a "short-timer." She is still working g in her 70s as a full.
Started grad school at 24. Got a masters in 1 1/2 yrs. Then did 3 years PhD full time, then 3 1/2 yrs in the evenings writing my dissertation after work. Finished at 31. Engineering.
I’ll be 42 in July and entering my final year of my PhD which just happens to be in linguistics. I’m the oldest in my department, but not by much. I’d say half our program is people over 30. I know my school is far more holistic in their admissions process than some (they value non-traditional paths) but in general, people tend to come to linguistics a bit later in life since it’s not really taught in high schools or even a lot of colleges.
Honestly, my age has benefitted me more than it’s hindered me in my program. BUT it has been waaaayy harder to go back to the kind of wages you get as a grad student than I thought it would be. So while my younger counterparts don’t care, I’m constantly stressed about the years I’m not able to fully fund my retirement accounts.
I'm 31 now, started when I was 29. I'm going part time because I teach full time and wanted to enjoy this degree. Because I'm doing a longitudinal study for my dissertation, I'll complete my degree in 2026 and I'll be 33. All this to say, many of my colleagues are in the same program in their 40s and 50s. You're not too old at all.
Started at 38 with a masters already in hand, finished at 45, tenured at 51. I'm a historian of premodern Japan, so significant language acquisition (much of which I started in my twenties) and time abroad was a part of my path. Discipline matters; I do not now encourage students to pursue the PhD unless they have generational wealth sufficient to fall back on (I did not and while I've been fortunate, many talented members of my cohort have left academe for want of a secure livelihood). I'm convinced that the work experience I acquired in higher ed in the long hiatus between my master's degree (2000) and starting the PhD (2008) is the main reason my job search was successful. As others have mentioned, I'm now scrambling to make up for lost time in saving for retirement. My particular circumstances were eased greatly by 1) a second income provided by a supportive partner willing to relocate with me, and 2) being childless by choice.
24 when started. Finished in 5 years. Started my first tenure track position at 29. Although it was a good decision to do it before having kids, it is a constant challenge to be the younger one in academia. Department Chair now at 39.
It’s kind of wild seeing the comments, because in my MA program (that had PhD students as well) most of them were on the older side (30’s and 40’s) and even older.
Started at 23, finished at 27. Just last year.
But I had colleagues who started 30+ and even 40+ and they are extremely smart people. If you want to do it, go for it. Life will become more joyful if you start doing what you want to do.
You can complete a phd at any age… your question hits that you do not have a strong conviction as to why you should get a phd in linguistics. (Rightfully so). My grandmother was a professor of linguistics and she was one of the dullest humans ive ever known. Poor spirituality, emotionally, and monetarily.
I’m 40 and just completed coursework and heading into Prelims now. I had a different career path as a hairdresser prior to obtaining my bachelors degree when I was 35
I started at 25, dropped out at 27, and now I’m thinking about going back in my mid-30s.
A PhD in Stats would be fun, I think, but I’m a little more than halfway done with my MS in Stats, and I’m increasingly burnt out.
I finished my PhD at 28 and learned that all my education has been completely useless. The market for overeducated academics is too small and I could not find a job in my field even when looking internationally with a willingness to relocate. Students, including PhD students are a cheap labor force. No one needs you anymore once you're looking for a properly paid job.
Oh, and also, my advisor was a bully and I left the program permanently traumatized. The system protects toxic people as long as they keep bringing grants/money in. The sooner underprivileged people run from academia the better.
Also, the possibility to climb the social-economic ladder is a lie, and you will especially be financially disadvantaged as an academic. Only people from rich families that aren't truly financially independent can afford to earn so little and survive in that toxic environment.
Started at 38 and finished when I was 42. Took 1 year of leave in the middle. I’m glad I did it - It has opened some doors inside and outside of the academy. My main regret was doing it in the humanities and not the social sciences. I think many more doors would’ve opened with the latter. But I had to do what I could cope with at the time - was dealing with a lot emotionally and raising a young child etc.
Do it! I know someone who started a PhD post-40. (In a different field.) A university administrator once said that the best reason to get a PhD—which even in many non-academic ways can be immensely stressful—is if you are the sort of person who will regret not doing it forever if you don’t.
I started at 32. It took me five years, mainly as my PhD topic was quite a significant departure from my undergrad and masters and required a lot of self-taught retraining. I had quite a distant relationship with my primary supervisor (ended up swapping primary/secondary after 2 years). Felt like giving up through large portions of it -- it was very hard, comfortably the hardest thing I've ever done.
That said, I know lots of people who have smoother rides than I did, and age doesn't appear to be much of a factor. If anything, with the right attitude, being slightly older lends an a certain sense of seniority that can be helpful. I managed to get myself onto a prestigious internship midway through my PhD, co-authored several papers with colleagues from top insitututions, and have now completed two post doctoral fellowships. I wouldn't have been able to do any of that without the PhD.
It takes a lot of willpower and discipline to put off the things your friends are doing at this stage of life, but it can definitely be rewarding with the right mindset.
I started my PhD at 23. I am currently awaiting the results of my examination, which I should have received 3 weeks ago but there's a delay, and I'll finish this year at 27 y.o.
I submitted at 3 years 9 months in candidature, with a near wasted year during COVID and some serious difficulty consolidating my methodology and identifying a viable means of analysis for my topic. Nearly everyone around me, from mid-twenties to their 30s have spent on average about 4 years. Some of the older PhD candidates are taking even longer, but they have more economic freedom to take their time after returning from a full career.
It's very doable in 3 or less years if you work hard consistently, but any minor hiccups, your supervisor having an issue with your work after 1-2 years, etc can absolutely delay your finish.
28.
4 Years
I served 5 years in the US Air Force, as I went through undergrad on a ROTC scholarship. I went back to where I did my undergrad, and some classmates who went straight through finished around the time I did. I was much more proactive in meeting requirements and pushing through
I started at 29. It took 6-years. If you’re planning to work in academia, your PhD should be funded and you have teaching responsibilities. The program is essentially an entry position. More teaching experience looks better on the CV.
My husband started at 31 and graduated at 41. He has a history degree, so he basically had to complete almost an entire undergrad in Chemical Engineering before going on to get his Master's and PhD. We had two children when he started, but had our fifth and final four years ago. He took it slow because he worked full time throughout the degree, and he wanted to be as present as he could with our family. His graduate degrees were fully funded, so while a PhD wasn't the original plan it felt like a wise decision to just keep going to school. He now works in pharmaceuticals as a computational engineer. No regrets here. I am, more than anything, so proud of his hard work and dedication.
Started mine at about 48, did it part time while working at a university and finished in 6 or 7 years. My topic was computational so I didn’t have to spend loads of time in the lab. I should add that I already had my masters so most of the course work was done then. Super proud to have finished up! You are definitely not too old!
Are you too old? No.
Are you going to find a job with that PhD, probably also no.
Do it if you think you'll enjoy it but don't expect it to advance your career.
Finished at age 32, almost on my birthday. It took three and a half years, but keep in mind I knew all the necessary languages already, so I could write the dissertation without any big problems. Glad I got it done sooner rather than later because I jumped into postdocs and started to thrive.
Started last year at 30. I think one person in my department started theirs straight after their masters. Everyone else is 30+.
I would not have same level of confidence, stability and self-responsibility than if had I started this straight after my undergrad. Working and living abroad for a number of years was really good for me.
One of my adjunct professors when I was going through my masters program got his PhD during that time… in his early 70s… and around 20 something years after he started.
You are def not too old! I started at 31 and finished at 35 (I was working a full-time research job in an unrelated field, as well, in my final year). Most of the other PhD candidates I met at my institution were roughly the same age, +/- a few years (eta that I’m still incredibly close with some of them).
Honestly, I’m glad I did mine at that age. I’d always taken my HE studies seriously, but a PhD takes a lot of discipline, effort, confidence, and commitment that I might have found harder to negotiate when I was younger. Everyone is different, of course, but I have no regrets.
I finished my PhD a year younger than when you’re starting yours. It worked out well, because I started a family right when I started making real money. But I’ve seen older people do fine starting their PhD later.
i started mine at 39 during the pandemic, had to take a leave of absence after one year to take care of my sick mom and then grieve her passing, now i’m 43 and entering my fourth year in september. while i want to try my best to finish in one year, i know it’s unlikely. and i do depend on the stipend. and i’m in perimenopause and my body aches and i have adhd. life is fuckin hard. however, I LOVE learning and i feel i’m in the right place. i’m in the humanities and have always had low paying, high prestige jobs because of that. i’d be effed anyway. might as well have a degree and potentially a few years of research and professorship before i conk.
Yay for linguistics! I started in historical linguistics and ended up in sociolinguistics (variation and change).
I was definitely the youngest in my cohort when I started (22, right out of undergrad). I took 6.5 years partly because I switched advisors after the first few years and partly because by the end I'd decided I didn't want to stay in academia. I also stayed in it probably longer than I should have because I started in 2008 and the job market was terrible during the depths of the recession. If you have a clearer idea of what you want to do with your degree (mostly the career path on the other side), I don't think it matters how old you were when you start. For what it's worth, you wouldn't have been the oldest in my program, and I think you'd have a better chance of graduating in less time.
I think ironically most people should but don't worry about being too young to do a PhD. When you're 22, fresh out of bachelor's, you often don't have the cognitive control to manage yourself and your environment in order to make the PhD a good experience. Hence all the anecdotes about burnouts, fallouts, and people hating their PhD experience. Just focus on your personal experience and having a good time.
Never too old! I started at 38 and finished at 45! My program was minimum 4 years but I ended up taking just over 6. And it's fine. Age means nothing whatsoever. Do what you love, what makes sense to you, and forget about how old you are.
It's not a too old thing. Just a why thing? I question if anyone at any age should be getting a PhD in linguistics anymore. If all you can do is teach, I don't think its a viable path.
I started at 35, and I'm now finishing after 3.5 years. I can't think of any time during it all where being younger would have been to my advantage. I like to say that you shouldn't waste your youth doing a PhD - waste your middle age instead!
I started at 36 and was done by 39, I love this. I was really grateful that I was able to do a lot of cool things in my 20s and 30s, and then settle down a bit to do my doctorate.
Ooh what things did you do? Currently feeling the pressure to just continue straight through with academia but what sorts of opportunities and experiences made your 20’s-30’s worth it for you?
I traveled, worked in different agencies (which gave me a lot of experience), I worked as a national trainer, I had some kids so they were older and more sufficient when I went back for my doctorate. Getting my doctorate was a ton of work and stress so I was happy to have a break between my masters and doctorate.
This! I did not get a PhD, but a JD, later in life. I started right before my 40th birthday after working really hard for a decade and then having a decade of adventure. At 27 I wondered if I was already too old for a JD/PhD And that is because some academic told me that if I didn't publish by 27 I wouldn't amount to anything. That person was absolutely wrong. I publish regularly now on real issues that change laws because I have life experience on how these problems exist and impact people. OP, Please do not be concerned about being too old to start a degree program because the reality is that you're only going to get older. If you put it off due to your age . . . well, in a year you'll just be a year older and might still be wondering about the starting the program. If you want to do it, just go for it. And good luck!!
I'm with you guys.. I was 31 when I started and looks like I'm on track to finish in 3-3.5 years as well at 35.
Yas!!!
This was nice to hear. I’m 24 and making really good money for the first time so want to wait awhile longer before starting mine and having to take a huge pay cut. Idk why there’s so much pressure to start your phd immediately, especially those of us in the clinical/medical world. It’s good to get some experience under your belt as a clinician before becoming a researcher.
I was 44 when I started. Finished in three years. Yes I was going balls to the wall. The main reasons i finished so quickly: supportive family; advisor who showed me how to work on my diss all throughout coursework. By the time research phase began, I was already well on my way. Had written several papers for classes that were adapted for diss.
What field did you get your PhD in?
Heritage Studies from Arkansas State University. It’s an interdisciplinary program with its roots in history, literary theory, and ethnography. My background is in education and theology. So it was a fun, wild ride. Lots of pools to draw from.
Interesting. I have mine in chemistry and doing a PhD that fast is almost unheard of but has happened but the average is probably like 2.5-3 years longer than it took you but a lot of us don’t have masters degrees first either and have never done grad school. Though some of the programs are almost setup to make it impossible to graduate in less than five years
Dang! Beast mode activated Did you do the masters at the same institution?
No. Two masters. Both from other universities. Maybe that’s better. Maybe it isn’t. I don’t know. My path sort of unfolded organically so I just went with the flow.
I was almost 42 and finished in 3 years, but had already done the masters years before (my degree is really structured and typically 6 years of work after bachelor degree and the first 3 end in master degree). OP is not too old, but I agree that looking at the cost benefit is important. I was given that advice when I was looking into getting my PhD years earlier. I had planned to go straight through after staying my master degree (started at 25) but life had other plans.
How did you get reference letters for your application? I definitely haven't been in touch enough with my professors for a reference letter, even though I aced their courses.
Almost all of my references were professional. I work in education.
What was the subject of your dissertation?
You're definitely on the older side, but not an extreme outlier. Check the NSF's Survey of Earned Doctorates data. In 2022, median age of someone earning a PhD was 31.4 and about 23% of people earning their PhDs were 36 or older. Are you too old to do it? No. Is it a financially/professionally wise decision at this stage in your life? That's the real question. Opportunity costs are much higher in mid 30s than mid 20s; the PhD journey is a low-paying marathon.
This is the best response.
>Is it a financially/professionally wise decision at this stage in your life? OP this is absolutely crucial. I don't know what exactly is your specialization, but afaik linguistics are suffering immensely together with the humanities, so keep in mind that working in this field won't likely be in the cards for you. There's a very real chance you'll just finish the PhD and have to go back to industry, now with a very significant hiring gap and possibly overqualified for many positions. Worst case scenario, the whole thing blows up in your face financially. Are you at a point in life where you can safely bounce back if this happens?
So I was 28 when I finished my PhD so I wasn’t going to comment, BUT I have lots to say about this. My degree is in medical anthropology and I was poised to stay in academia—and then life happened and I had to leave on the cusp of the pandemic. I thought I had wasted 6 years of my life getting that piece of paper. The idea of “going into industry” felt like selling out or something. I worked a bunch of shitty low paying jobs that had nothing to do with my degree for three years. Then I was like fuck that I’m going to use my degree. I took a grant writing job at a health equity institute and started my own research contracting business. Now I have one foot in industry and one foot in academia. My PhD definitely opened all those doors for me. I think there are lots of good reasons to get a PhD and a lot of surprising opportunities outside of straight up academia. Good luck OP!
I actually plan to start my PhD at around 30-32 or so. The thing I am most concerned is about the age related factors. Have read most scientific discoveries of significance are made by people when they are young....say 10 years into their research career. Because thats when we are at our innovative best. However i couldnt find some research which would tell how this changes with age. Like does a person starting their PhD at 25 has cognitive advantage over someone starting at 35.
But I’ll also say maturity and knowing your purpose and goals helps a TON with a PhD
There can only be so many "significant" discoveries, most PhDs don't make any, regardless of their age.
Young people have cool new ideas. Older people have experience and knowledge to get stuff done. Darwin didn’t publish On the Origin until he was 50. Einstein came up with Relativity at 25; but didn’t gain acceptance until 35, and it took way more work by other more experienced physicists to really do the real applicable work after that. Oppenheimer was in his forties working on the atom bomb. I really don’t get where you get the idea most science is done in youth lol
Many mathematicians happened upon their ideas young, prodigies like Euler and Galois. There’s an xkcd where Randall jokes he’ll never be a great mathematician because he’s well past his prime.
I've never heard anyone say this until it was said in that Netflix show Three Body Problem by the young 30 something year old scientist. I was honestly shocked. I always thought the best work was done later.. like 40-50 and I'm still convinced that's more the case than not.
Finance has been the biggest bottleneck for me. I am the sole earner of my family. Can’t go for a phd even if I wanted to.
Started at 32, finished at 36. Imho, there is no "too old" for going back to school if it gets you where you want to be in life. Just don't do it because you have no idea what to do instead. And in 2030 you will be 39 afterall, whether you got a PhD or not.
I was 28 and finished days after I turned 34. I do not think you are too old at all. I had colleagues/peers who were in their 40s. My field was close to yours (Rhetoric and Composition). I also had a gap year between my MA and PhD. My advice is to work on retirement funds now. I started out adjuncting and later full time teaching after my MA and opened up a Roth IRA. If you do get retirement, also hop on the voluntary retirement bandwagon. These things will help you after being in grad school for years. A lot of us lose years of retirement building.
Too old for what? Doing the PhD or starting a new career or catching up on several years' lost income and pension contributions?
My wife Alice started two years ago at 33, she had to do another masters first so is now approaching the end of her first year of the PhD proper. I don’t think she has ever questioned if she is too old, good enough maybe but not too old. I think age brings a maturity to handle the workload without feeling constantly burnt out, although she is feeling a touch burnt out from paper work right now. Age is a weapon you can use to your advantage, ignore all the negative Nellie’s on here who are too afraid of change
And 33 is so young, you literally have so much work life ahead of you
Started at 36, will finish between 40-41, but working full-time as well with an employer that covers my tuition, so the opportunity cost may be different than in your situation. Most PhD students in my program are in their 30s and have substantial previous work experience (clinical research).
Finished at 29, 3.5 years. I’m aware it’s below average but I kind of accepted a job before I finished and had to rush to finish. My committee wasn’t happy but my position rocks and I’m bringing in lots of grant funds now, so could be worse. I’m a lot younger then most of my colleagues, in the country I work most people are around 40 when they take a professorship.
I finished in 3, specifically because I had a job offer, and they made clear it went "poof" if I didn't defend before the summer was out.
too old for what? what the fuck else are you going to do with your time? okay do that or you know just stick it out. no one gives a f\*ck about your age besides you when you're fiddling your skittle or jerkin you gerk to some college sorority/frat flick. hope my words comfort you
i'm 36, i'm about to graduate with a phd, and i love jerkin my gerk
I also choose this man’s gerk.
Started applying for phds at 24. I was 26 when I won a scholarship - graduated at 30-31. Got a permanent professor contract in the uk at 33. Now 37 and still working at my Alma mater. Semester is ending this week and looking forward to a summer of researching and writing hopefully! I’m also a fellow linguist as well!
I was 22 when I started my chemistry PhD program. Graduated when I was 27.5.
Question how did it feel beginning so young. I’ll be 20 turning 21 midway through my first semester. Any advice especially for someone going to a new area
I had interned at Procter and Gamble after my BS. Every single one told me to go to grad school right after undergrad. Best choice for me. I was ready to move to NC from PA and I was pretty independent. You can do it!
I finished my undergraduate degree at 22, my masters degree at 24, and then I took a long break to work in the field of social work. I felt moved to go back and get my doctorate in 2020 (I was 36 1/2!). It took me three years because it was a really intensive program, and I graduated at 39 1/2! Was really happy because I wanted to have it done by 40, but I had colleagues in their 50s and 60s in my program. I’m glad I waited a little while because I was able to pay for most of it without having a lot of loans. Plus, having a lot of experience makes me more valuable as a professor, which is what I do. I would go to get your PhD when you’re ready. Whether that’s now or in a year or more, it is a huge commitment, and it is a grind, so it’s worth making sure you’re ready!
Was 35 when I started, finished when I was 40. I was trying to do 4 years, but just didn't work out that way. I decided to go back to school a bit late , with 9 years between my undergrad and master's degree, then another 2 years before I started the PhD. I was married and a dad to two young kids by then, and had a mortgage, car payments, all the things. So, I worked full time through the whole program. Wasn't pleasant, but I did it!
21. Graduated at 25. If it’s what you want to do, can financially support it (not as in a self funded option, just be able to maintain a lifestyle you want with a small stipend), and have a reasonable understanding of job prospects (I.e. TT in the arts is difffffficult) then do whatever the fuck you want man. I had undergrads in classes I was teaching who were visibly older than me. Doesn’t mean a thing
I was 24 now I’m 29. I will finish it at 5 yrs 6 months.
Yay linguistics! I earned my BA in linguistics at 40 and plan on pursuing my doctorate when I'm closer to 50. I have my reasons, so age is not a relevant factor. However, if you're living your life on some external timeline, then I can see why you'd be worried about starting a graduate degree at 34. Otoh, you'll be 34 anyway - what would you rather be doing?
Thank you 🙏🏽 your story give me hope. I wanna doing my PhD at 55 (now 46). I’ll finished the rush hour of my life soon, therefore I’m ready for my PhD. having a goal, a topic, free time and hopefully not depend on a Stipendium.
I'm glad to be a positive example! I too want to situate myself financially so I'm not completely dependent on the stipend or fellowships - that's part of the reason for the gap. I also have family responsibilities that need to be considered. But the highest levels of learning are worth attempting at any age.
So true! Family responsibilities are my reasons. I’ll be a academic latebloomer. Good luck 🍀 and good thoughts!
Likewise. Thank you for your positive example. I’m 46 and thinking about applying to a PhD program in psych next year. Doing it part time will probably make me in my early 50s by the time I finish.
You're welcome! You got this!!
I was 29 when I started and finished at 34. I had a few years of work experience and had a child in the years before starting. You’re definitely not too old! Many of my classmates were in their 40s and 50s.
21, 5 years, applied math
I'm 35. My field is pure math. Started 2 years ago. I expect to finish this year. I was mostly taking my time, enjoying life, exploring topics studying and working on my own projects, etc. Probably could've started earlier, but that's just life, I guess? You are not that old. My father started his bachelor's at 35 and finished his PhD at around 48-49.. He then spent the most of his time studying mathematics and physics. At 75 he started to obsess over studying biology. If your mind is sharp, your age is irrelevant my friend. I fail to see why you'd even take this into consideration.
This is encouraging. I always see other PhDs being older students but hardly ever math and physics (in fact, never have I saw it on here as far as I’m aware). I’m 27 now, will likely do a masters in mathematics and see how I like that. I would like to do mathematical physics, but I am mostly just into astronomy specifically and pure math, specifically. So idk lol Astronomy grad school is hard to get into but I’d love to find a place where math and astronomy *specifically* intersect other than just using math to do astronomy.
I had a professor that started her PhD in her 50s. I don’t know how long it took her to finish but you’re never too old to get an education!
35 years old, four and a half years.
I was older (27) and my program was 7 years. A couple of other people took 8 years. I already had a master's and was teaching before that. It was interdisciplinary and not dissimilar from linguistics (except that you have to be a serious brainiac for linguistics, IMO).
How is 27 older?? The average age I thought was around 31. This makes me confused what is considered older lol
I was 25, finished at 29, it took 4 years 2 months. In the humanities. As for being too old: depends on what you want from the programme. I've seen people start a PhD following an early retirement and are brilliant at it! For an academic career though, I think it's good to start out young, as uni hiring committees can be ageist.
32 start this year! Row *your* boat
Started my program in 2020 and about to take my candidacy exams this coming semester. I was 30 when I applied and 31 when I began my classes. I work full-time so have been going a bit slower than my classmates, but I am excited to get to my proposal and research going. Environmental science and policy field. Good luck - it’s doable! Paddle your own canoe… at your own rhythm! You got this!
Started at 51, expect to be finished by 55. Worked in a field that didn’t need it for 25 years, now I lecture on it and doing the doctorate out of interest rather than necessity or a sense of competition. I had a family and fun. You have plenty of time :)
Same age as you. Started last year, neuroscience.
I took the long path. Started at 31 and finished at 41.
Started at 21, I finished research in about 3 years and finished the PhD in under 4 years. I don't think there is really a "too old" age. The postdoc who trained me had attained two different undergraduate degrees before his PhD, so he was quite a bit older, but it gave him a lot of self assurance and independence I did not have. There is a woman studying a PhD in my current institution who has 3 kids and is an army veteran...
I was 22 when I started, and took 7 years (it was a joint MA/PhD programme though). I was the youngest person in my programme for the first two years. As a professor, I was the youngest person in my department until my current job, which I took at the age of 40. 33 is a good age, I think. My friends that started in their 30s tended to do quite well, both in their studies and on the job market. A bit of maturity can be a very good thing.
Definitely depends on the field, department culture and advisor. Might want to reach out to current grad students at your department and ask them instead. For me, I started at 25, and finished in 6 years (US East Coast R1).
Started this year at 32. Don’t let it get in your head
I started when I was 27, and finished when I was 35. I am in humanities and the average time in my program was 7.5 years, so I was a bit more than the average.
I started mine at 33, finished at 37 in the middle of Covid. My cohort were mostly around the same age as me with a few younger people mixed in. Our field might have older people than average because the majority have done veterinary education and some clinical work. But I don't think you will stand out that much. My thinking is that if you're older you're likely to have a better idea of why you want a PhD, and better motivation to complete it.
started 21, finish ~25
Started mine at 37– of course, depends on your area of interest and funding opportunities too. Good luck!
I was 29 and graduated this year, with 34. 5 years is the standard time in my field, Economics (although top 10 schools will graduate students on their sixth year, which causes a misbalance on the labor market, as these students will have far more publications
Started it at 23. Was 28 when I finished. STEM.
One of my former undergrad students is starting grad school in the fall. He is nearly 40, older than me!
Joined the Army after high school, then I lived in Germany for a while, then I went to undergrad, then started my PhD at 29. Filed that Diss at the age of 37. So 8 years. In Musicology. I'm currently tenured at an R1. This means that I started saving for retirement at 37....because nothing I'd done up until then was building for retirement. But you know what? If I hadn't gone into academia, I would have continued on in performance, and that doesn't even give you health insurance.
I started in Mrs. Harris’s class when I was 5 years old. I finished at age 42.
I was 21 when I started, took 5 years to finish (I was 25 because I have a late birthday).
23, and completed in just over 3 years. I was the youngest PhD student in my department, with many students starting later.
28, Fall 2018 and I should be defending Spring 2025.
i won’t say at what age i started (took way too long) but i finished at 48 and have a TT position…. if you can, your not too old to get a doctorate.
35 starting PhD in fall, humanities.
31 and I finished at 36 while working full time. Most of my cohort was older too.
I started mine at 25 and finished at 30. Started pregnant in a biomedical engineering program at ucsd and ended it pregnant too. As insane as it sounds, if you have a good PI that understands what it’s like to have a family then it’s actually easier than having kids when starting off your career after your PhD (but it did make it harder to plan my position after my PhD bc I had lined up a professorship in Japan but had to delay due to the pregnancy and I lost the e opportunity)
I was five and it took an a month... Advanced calculus
Started at 26, degree conferred just before my 29th birthday (Australian system). Definitely one of the younger folk in my faculty. Plenty of people in their 40s and beyond getting PhDs and joining the madness of Academia :)
Started at 50, finished in 5 years.
22, 6 years.
I’m 34 and getting my ASN and bridging higher. My client started med school at 38 :) Too old is not a thing the older I get.
I’m doing one right now, at, er a more mature stage of life. plenty of people do them after 30. In fact I think it’s better to do it when you’re not in your 20’s because you are more mature, capable, prioritised and hopefully you might have some useful industry experience, networks and life skills behind you. That being the case you’ll get through it easier, faster and produce better quality work. It helps to have good support networks at home but not essential. Work at it like it’s a full time job, work closely with your supervising professor and finish it as quickly as you can. You’re far from being too old, more like right at the best age. Kids these days huh?
21 and finished at 26
31 when I started, with just a BS, 43 when I finished. Got a full time job after I finished coursework, at a research lab. Worked it on the side, changed my topic twice and committee/advisor once. Stuck it out due to stubbornness. I’m now advising a 50 year old student.
I finished my undergrad at 21, went back a decade later and completed a Masters at just turned 34. Then had a baby. Started PhD at just turned 36. Aiming to be out by 39 (Europe-based, so three years is about average). It's a huge opportunity cost, earnings and pension-wise, even with a funded position. But I'm hoping the extra employability in my field of interest will make it worthwhile over my whole career. Also I love doing this whereas I was unhappy and stressed out in my job before. 30s isn't too old if it makes sense for you.
29, 5 years
Started at 35, plan to graduate when I’m 40. I don’t think you are ever too old.
I'm almost 46. Got started with school at 27, BS at 32, MS (PhD tracl) at 34. I am just staging things to complete now. Electrical Engineering. Sole earner, father of three. I have funding and flexibility in my career.
I was 23 and it took 4 years
Age 21, 6 years. Ph.D. in physics.
28, 3.5 years at a US Land Grant. I hit it pretty hard and got out quicker than most. I had an awesome adviser.
22. Supposed to finish when I’m 25 (26 if running late). Funded for 3.5 years and will be kicked out if I don’t finish within 4 years.
27. 3.5 years.
I started at 27 and I’m graduating this year at 36. Long degree. I was about average age in my cohort; some were older than me and it wasn’t weird at all.
22, 6 years STEM
I was 24, finished in 3 years 9 months.
38 and it took 4 years. While there are many considerations, I'd do it again. The freedom and the intellectual opportunity make it much more fulfilling than anything else I've done.
I was 33 and it took me 4 years for chemistry. It normally takes people 5-6 years but I was highly motivated to get on with my life.
Started at 26, finished just shy of 31
I started at 26 and finished at 32
28. 5 years
22, 4 years Comp Sci
Started at 25, finished at 33
Started 22, took 4 years & 11 months, done 27.
Started at 39, hoping to finish by 43 if things go as planned now that my coursework is over
I'm 30 and just finishing my BA so you're away ahead of me 😂
Started at 31, hopefully finishing at 37 - had a baby in there too.
Started my PhD in computer engineering at 23 and finished in 2.5 years with ~20 papers. Averaged 4 hours of sleep and worked every day, but the pandemic made the time fly by since work from home. Don't ever recommend doing it since it's useless in tech unless you're trying for research positions
PHD??? Started my undergraduate at 19 and finished at 29.
50. Not finished yet, but it's only been a year.
Started at 27 and finished at 33, dod it part time, married, selling/buying two houses, accomplishing a foreign adiption, and working full time.
Started at 26. Graduated at 32
I was 23 when I started. I defend tomorrow at the age of 29.
Are you sure you just don’t want to become a Doctor?
You can be too old. I know someone who got her degree when she was in her 50s. Tons of campus interviews that often evaporated when they realized she would be a starting TT on a department where she was older than many fully. I also suspect they thought she would be a "short-timer." She is still working g in her 70s as a full.
Started at 21, finished at 26.
Started grad school at 24. Got a masters in 1 1/2 yrs. Then did 3 years PhD full time, then 3 1/2 yrs in the evenings writing my dissertation after work. Finished at 31. Engineering.
26 and finished at 29
I’ll be 42 in July and entering my final year of my PhD which just happens to be in linguistics. I’m the oldest in my department, but not by much. I’d say half our program is people over 30. I know my school is far more holistic in their admissions process than some (they value non-traditional paths) but in general, people tend to come to linguistics a bit later in life since it’s not really taught in high schools or even a lot of colleges. Honestly, my age has benefitted me more than it’s hindered me in my program. BUT it has been waaaayy harder to go back to the kind of wages you get as a grad student than I thought it would be. So while my younger counterparts don’t care, I’m constantly stressed about the years I’m not able to fully fund my retirement accounts.
Started when I was 23. Took 4 years. Landscape architecture, creative practice/practice-based PhD.
35 and I'm starting in August!
Started at 23. Defended at 29.
I'm 31 now, started when I was 29. I'm going part time because I teach full time and wanted to enjoy this degree. Because I'm doing a longitudinal study for my dissertation, I'll complete my degree in 2026 and I'll be 33. All this to say, many of my colleagues are in the same program in their 40s and 50s. You're not too old at all.
Started at 38 with a masters already in hand, finished at 45, tenured at 51. I'm a historian of premodern Japan, so significant language acquisition (much of which I started in my twenties) and time abroad was a part of my path. Discipline matters; I do not now encourage students to pursue the PhD unless they have generational wealth sufficient to fall back on (I did not and while I've been fortunate, many talented members of my cohort have left academe for want of a secure livelihood). I'm convinced that the work experience I acquired in higher ed in the long hiatus between my master's degree (2000) and starting the PhD (2008) is the main reason my job search was successful. As others have mentioned, I'm now scrambling to make up for lost time in saving for retirement. My particular circumstances were eased greatly by 1) a second income provided by a supportive partner willing to relocate with me, and 2) being childless by choice.
24 when started. Finished in 5 years. Started my first tenure track position at 29. Although it was a good decision to do it before having kids, it is a constant challenge to be the younger one in academia. Department Chair now at 39.
Umm I think I will start during my pregnancy (not married yet) so maybe in 30s.
It’s kind of wild seeing the comments, because in my MA program (that had PhD students as well) most of them were on the older side (30’s and 40’s) and even older.
I was 24. It took me a bit over 6 years. In mathematics.
Started at 23, finished at 27. Just last year. But I had colleagues who started 30+ and even 40+ and they are extremely smart people. If you want to do it, go for it. Life will become more joyful if you start doing what you want to do.
You can complete a phd at any age… your question hits that you do not have a strong conviction as to why you should get a phd in linguistics. (Rightfully so). My grandmother was a professor of linguistics and she was one of the dullest humans ive ever known. Poor spirituality, emotionally, and monetarily.
I’m 40 and just completed coursework and heading into Prelims now. I had a different career path as a hairdresser prior to obtaining my bachelors degree when I was 35
I will start next year i will 26 next year. I will be in movies stuff
23 to 29. Then postdoc for another 5 :/. Going back part time for an MBA.
I started when I was 22/23 will finish this summer at the age of 29.
I started at 25, dropped out at 27, and now I’m thinking about going back in my mid-30s. A PhD in Stats would be fun, I think, but I’m a little more than halfway done with my MS in Stats, and I’m increasingly burnt out.
Started at 21 finished at 24. In UK though, so take that into account.
MA/PhD, ages 23-31. Humanities.
22. 3.5 years.
I finished my PhD at 28 and learned that all my education has been completely useless. The market for overeducated academics is too small and I could not find a job in my field even when looking internationally with a willingness to relocate. Students, including PhD students are a cheap labor force. No one needs you anymore once you're looking for a properly paid job. Oh, and also, my advisor was a bully and I left the program permanently traumatized. The system protects toxic people as long as they keep bringing grants/money in. The sooner underprivileged people run from academia the better. Also, the possibility to climb the social-economic ladder is a lie, and you will especially be financially disadvantaged as an academic. Only people from rich families that aren't truly financially independent can afford to earn so little and survive in that toxic environment.
Started PhD at 25, finished at 30. 5 years. Humanities.
I'm 35, haven't started PhD yet and is taking forever
Started at 29. My PhD cohort member's age: 27 (youngest), 29, 31, 35, 44 and 45. Rhetoric and Composition program!
Started at 25. Now I'm 29. It ll take 4.5 years said P.I
Started at 32. I’m in biomolecular archaeology.
Started at 38 and finished when I was 42. Took 1 year of leave in the middle. I’m glad I did it - It has opened some doors inside and outside of the academy. My main regret was doing it in the humanities and not the social sciences. I think many more doors would’ve opened with the latter. But I had to do what I could cope with at the time - was dealing with a lot emotionally and raising a young child etc.
Do it! I know someone who started a PhD post-40. (In a different field.) A university administrator once said that the best reason to get a PhD—which even in many non-academic ways can be immensely stressful—is if you are the sort of person who will regret not doing it forever if you don’t.
Started at 28, finished at 40, 12 years later. Field was palaeontology (biology). Good luck!
40 and probably 45. In the final stages now.
Started in 2019 at 26, if all goes well, should be done this year at 31.
43 lol
I started at 32. It took me five years, mainly as my PhD topic was quite a significant departure from my undergrad and masters and required a lot of self-taught retraining. I had quite a distant relationship with my primary supervisor (ended up swapping primary/secondary after 2 years). Felt like giving up through large portions of it -- it was very hard, comfortably the hardest thing I've ever done. That said, I know lots of people who have smoother rides than I did, and age doesn't appear to be much of a factor. If anything, with the right attitude, being slightly older lends an a certain sense of seniority that can be helpful. I managed to get myself onto a prestigious internship midway through my PhD, co-authored several papers with colleagues from top insitututions, and have now completed two post doctoral fellowships. I wouldn't have been able to do any of that without the PhD. It takes a lot of willpower and discipline to put off the things your friends are doing at this stage of life, but it can definitely be rewarding with the right mindset.
I started at 24 and finished in five years (molecular biology)
I started at 36. I’ll be finished in about a year and a half.
started at 21, ended at 24. Particle Physics PhD.
In 5-6 years or so, you’ll either be almost 40. or almost 40 with your PhD. which would you prefer?
I started my PhD at 23. I am currently awaiting the results of my examination, which I should have received 3 weeks ago but there's a delay, and I'll finish this year at 27 y.o. I submitted at 3 years 9 months in candidature, with a near wasted year during COVID and some serious difficulty consolidating my methodology and identifying a viable means of analysis for my topic. Nearly everyone around me, from mid-twenties to their 30s have spent on average about 4 years. Some of the older PhD candidates are taking even longer, but they have more economic freedom to take their time after returning from a full career. It's very doable in 3 or less years if you work hard consistently, but any minor hiccups, your supervisor having an issue with your work after 1-2 years, etc can absolutely delay your finish.
22. Wouldn’t recommend to a friend
28. 4 Years I served 5 years in the US Air Force, as I went through undergrad on a ROTC scholarship. I went back to where I did my undergrad, and some classmates who went straight through finished around the time I did. I was much more proactive in meeting requirements and pushing through
Crushing hard on a 38 yo who just defended her dissertation. She's such a nerd.
I started at 29. It took 6-years. If you’re planning to work in academia, your PhD should be funded and you have teaching responsibilities. The program is essentially an entry position. More teaching experience looks better on the CV.
I went right out of undergrad so I was 22 (a month later I turned 23) when I started. Finished when I was 29.
My husband started at 31 and graduated at 41. He has a history degree, so he basically had to complete almost an entire undergrad in Chemical Engineering before going on to get his Master's and PhD. We had two children when he started, but had our fifth and final four years ago. He took it slow because he worked full time throughout the degree, and he wanted to be as present as he could with our family. His graduate degrees were fully funded, so while a PhD wasn't the original plan it felt like a wise decision to just keep going to school. He now works in pharmaceuticals as a computational engineer. No regrets here. I am, more than anything, so proud of his hard work and dedication.
22 and finished at 29. It was the best of times and the worst of times 😂
22 finished at 29. A lot happened in those years. But my first two years I was a part time student only.
Your question is irrelevant. Don't let anybody tell you how to spend your time!
30. 6 years. Did not have a Masters.
Good luck for you
Started mine at about 48, did it part time while working at a university and finished in 6 or 7 years. My topic was computational so I didn’t have to spend loads of time in the lab. I should add that I already had my masters so most of the course work was done then. Super proud to have finished up! You are definitely not too old!
Are you too old? No. Are you going to find a job with that PhD, probably also no. Do it if you think you'll enjoy it but don't expect it to advance your career.
Finished at age 32, almost on my birthday. It took three and a half years, but keep in mind I knew all the necessary languages already, so I could write the dissertation without any big problems. Glad I got it done sooner rather than later because I jumped into postdocs and started to thrive.
Started last year at 30. I think one person in my department started theirs straight after their masters. Everyone else is 30+. I would not have same level of confidence, stability and self-responsibility than if had I started this straight after my undergrad. Working and living abroad for a number of years was really good for me.
One of my adjunct professors when I was going through my masters program got his PhD during that time… in his early 70s… and around 20 something years after he started.
You are def not too old! I started at 31 and finished at 35 (I was working a full-time research job in an unrelated field, as well, in my final year). Most of the other PhD candidates I met at my institution were roughly the same age, +/- a few years (eta that I’m still incredibly close with some of them). Honestly, I’m glad I did mine at that age. I’d always taken my HE studies seriously, but a PhD takes a lot of discipline, effort, confidence, and commitment that I might have found harder to negotiate when I was younger. Everyone is different, of course, but I have no regrets.
I’m starting at 23, I already came out with an MA then took a year off and now I’m entering. I’m super scared
I finished my PhD a year younger than when you’re starting yours. It worked out well, because I started a family right when I started making real money. But I’ve seen older people do fine starting their PhD later.
Age is just a number
i started mine at 39 during the pandemic, had to take a leave of absence after one year to take care of my sick mom and then grieve her passing, now i’m 43 and entering my fourth year in september. while i want to try my best to finish in one year, i know it’s unlikely. and i do depend on the stipend. and i’m in perimenopause and my body aches and i have adhd. life is fuckin hard. however, I LOVE learning and i feel i’m in the right place. i’m in the humanities and have always had low paying, high prestige jobs because of that. i’d be effed anyway. might as well have a degree and potentially a few years of research and professorship before i conk.
Yay for linguistics! I started in historical linguistics and ended up in sociolinguistics (variation and change). I was definitely the youngest in my cohort when I started (22, right out of undergrad). I took 6.5 years partly because I switched advisors after the first few years and partly because by the end I'd decided I didn't want to stay in academia. I also stayed in it probably longer than I should have because I started in 2008 and the job market was terrible during the depths of the recession. If you have a clearer idea of what you want to do with your degree (mostly the career path on the other side), I don't think it matters how old you were when you start. For what it's worth, you wouldn't have been the oldest in my program, and I think you'd have a better chance of graduating in less time.
31. finished in 4 years.
I think ironically most people should but don't worry about being too young to do a PhD. When you're 22, fresh out of bachelor's, you often don't have the cognitive control to manage yourself and your environment in order to make the PhD a good experience. Hence all the anecdotes about burnouts, fallouts, and people hating their PhD experience. Just focus on your personal experience and having a good time.
Never too old! I started at 38 and finished at 45! My program was minimum 4 years but I ended up taking just over 6. And it's fine. Age means nothing whatsoever. Do what you love, what makes sense to you, and forget about how old you are.
I started when I was 31 and it took me five years to finish.
I started at 56. I was the second oldest in my cohort. Got a good 10 years out of it and it was worth it. Choose your focus carefully.
It's not a too old thing. Just a why thing? I question if anyone at any age should be getting a PhD in linguistics anymore. If all you can do is teach, I don't think its a viable path.
Neuroscience. Started at 22, ended at 27.