SAHM/grandmothers getting a PhD over 45?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work with a few women who were SAHMs/ grandmothers who earned a doctorate over the age of 40/45.

I was 34 when I finished my doctorate. I am also a woman. I received stipends and graduate research positions and had published articles and presentations. I had a full time job as a defense contractor. My employer paid for my tuition. I was able to complete my dissertation research as part of my job.

I would never have paid so much money for an online degree as a doctorate, which I see mostly women paying, for a job that pays around $32 an hour. Why would a 50-year-old put themselves in debt like that? Why not invest that money in something more lucrative like a small business?

I am 61 and am enrolled in a MSIS (Cybersecurity) program at George Mason. I have no argument with the acquisition of a PhD at any age. I do, however, know that online programs, generally, are worthless. Much of the value of a graduate degree is the intellectual challenge created in a classroom setting.

Good for you! Wow, this thread is so encouraging!