I went back to college when I was just a few months under the age of 25. I worked full time and went to school full time. (No wife though.) It was tremendously stressful and I could not do justice to all of my classes. My GPA was between C and B.
It was worth everything that I put into it. I now have a career that I enjoy and one that pays well. No one cares about my grades any more. In fact, the only people who asked were my first job right out of college. My feeling as a hiring manager is, I would rather see some work-related experience than great grades. If you can find some way to work in your field while going to school (I dunno if that is possible in your chosen field) it will go a long way.
I can’t tell you enough how great I think this is for you. I believe you will go through some tough times and will wonder if it is worth it, but GO GO GO! Good luck, I rooting for you!
Not to knock traditional students (I am one, after all) I do find that non-traditional students have fewer problems. Last summer, many of my classes included non-traditional students. In my night classes, the ratio was nearly 50-50. I worked on projects with them, tutored them, and hung out with them. They were all doing exceptionally well, and I’m sure you will, too.
When you start something, it’s always easy to feel in over your head, apprehensive and to worry that you can’t hack it. I worried about the big things (starting college, moving out of my parents’ house, switching to a totally campus) and I worried about the small things (the way I learned to drive, the way I chose to go about going to college). And you know what? Everything is ok. So far. You’ll see once you get started. Take it a day at a time, prioritise, and have fun in biology!
-M
Heck; my dad went back to school at 34 when he was working full time shift work in a factory and he didn’t even have a HIGH SCHOOL diploma.
He graduated with his degree, became a big mucky-muck with the same company where he had once toiled on the line, started his own business and later sold it for big bucks. Now he is retired early with a swimming pool, a 65" television, and a big house. All because he went back to school.