Opinion: A path for late bloomers in Alaska higher education

The pursuit of education is often seen as a youthful endeavor, bustling with fresh high school graduates eager to carve out their paths. Yet the landscape of higher learning is shifting in big ways, welcoming an increasing number of students for whom youth is nothing more than a fond memory. At the University of Alaska, nearly half of the student body is over the age of 25. This trend mirrors a national movement as older student enrollment climbs, even outpacing that of the typical college entrant, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

This shift reveals a new truth: Education knows no age. In Alaska, the state’s 529 education savings plan isn’t just for children, but a helpful tool for adults navigating their academic aspirations alongside careers and family duties. These accounts, benefiting from tax advantages, are tools for anyone dreaming of a brighter future through learning, whether that means tuition, textbooks or trade school.

Consider this year’s PFD Scholarship winner, Matalyn Dart, a University of Alaska Anchorage student in her 30s, who is a perfect example of the modern adult student. Her work toward a nursing degree, driven by a lifelong commitment to patient care, was significantly bolstered by a $25,000 scholarship funneled directly into a 529 account, removing financial barriers and making degree completion that much easier to achieve.

The academic offerings for adult learners are as diverse as their backgrounds. Whether it’s a two-year associate degree, a quick certification or a deep dive into a master’s program, each educational pursuit presents an opportunity for students of all ages to achieve additional education.

For those thinking about a return to the classroom, now is the time to act. With PFD applications for 2025 opening on Jan. 1, consider marking “yes” for the Alaska 529 contribution when you file. It’s more than a financial decision; it’s an investment in the most invaluable asset you possess — yourself. If you find yourself at this crossroads, take the leap back into education. Your future self will thank you for it.

Lael Oldmixon has been the executive director of Alaska 529 and the UA Scholars Program since 2013, overseeing their administration.

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