Age Distribution Among College Students, Fall 2017

Nearly 60 percent of undergraduates were ages 21 and under, and only 16 percent were ages 30 and older in the fall of 2017. Although the predominant age group for postbaccalaureate students was 25 to 29, nearly a fifth were 40 and older.

Note: Figures represent all full-time and part-time students whose age was known and who were enrolled in degree-granting two-year and four-year institutions in the United States that were eligible to participate in the Title IV federal student-aid program in the fall of 2017. Postbaccalaureate students include those working toward advanced degrees and those enrolled in graduate-level classes but not in degree programs. Percentages may not sum to 100 because of rounding. Questions or comments on the Almanac should be sent to Ruth Hammond.

Source: Chronicle analysis of U.S. Department of Education data

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