...To think a degree is worthwhile at 23?

[Gannicusthemannicus]

Posting here for traffic, hope that's ok.

Boyfriend went to uni at 19 and left after a couple of months as he didn't like the course (business) and was going through some personal issues. He then went into a retail job, where he has been for the past 3 years. He has always felt 'ashamed' for not having his degree and 'giving up' and wants to get his degree now at 23, but feels it is too late, doesn't know if it is worthwhile, and thinks no university would want him when he's been in retail for 3 years. I am very biased as I feel a degree is valuable for the experience as well as the qualification, and I think he would continue to beat himself up if he doesn't go now, so I wanted to get more opinions.

He would like to do accounting, or other financial degree, is this an area a degree is really needed, or would he be better served using the 3 years he would be studying to try and find a way in without a degree? And would his first attempt at uni be counted against him if he applied?

Thank you very much for any replies.

It's worth checking with his employer, too. Mine has a tuition assistance scheme for people who want to do a degree while working, though there are rules around being accepted.

Thank you for all the really helpful replies, especially those with personal experience as students/lecturers and in accountancy.

I was also thinking that if he gets into a career path, he might find himself blocked from progression by not having a degree so it is interesting others have brought that up.

Ultimately he really wants out of retail and customer service, but is finishing up an apprenticeship with his job so can't leave just yet. I don't want him to go to university if it is because he feels he has to make up for not finishing before, but it's difficult to separate what he wants and what he thinks he ought to do!

Our DS started has BA and 23 and then went on to an MA. It's never too late.