They Put College on Hold to Raise a Family: Thirty Years Later, They All Graduated Together.

Tammy, Mike, and Justin France — plus one very well-dressed service dog — just made graduation history.

A Texas family celebrated a remarkable milestone — crossing the commencement stage as mother, father, son, and service dog — to celebrate the degrees they earned together.

For Tammy, 52, and Mike France, 54, of Prosper, higher education wasn’t always part of the plan. The couple put their college ambitions on hold after becoming parents in their late teens and early twenties, focusing instead on raising their family and building a life together. As their kids grew, Mike decided it was time to return to school.

Going back to college — one class at a time

He enrolled online at Southern New Hampshire University while balancing coursework with a full-time job. Inspired by his determination, Tammy and their son, Justin, 30, each decided to pursue their own degrees.

For Tammy, the journey had been long and intermittent. After becoming a mother in her teens, she took college classes one at a time whenever life allowed. This time, she said, felt like “her time” to finish what she had started. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in operations management.

The Frances are far from alone. According to the National Student Clearinghouse, adults 25 and older make up nearly 40% of all college students in the United States today. Many adults returning to college — like Tammy and Mike — put their education on hold to raise families, only to return decades later with clarity and determination that younger students rarely have.

How a 20-Year Paramedic earned his master’s degree

“I hope my kids are proud,” Tammy said. “I hope they see that it’s never too late to accomplish whatever goals they have.”

Mike, who had never walked in his high school or college graduations, has now earned multiple degrees, including a master’s in cybersecurity. Justin followed in his dad’s footsteps, earning his bachelor’s in cybersecurity.

“I was always told that college was for lawyers, doctors, and engineers,” Mike shared. “I came out of school and went into paramedicine, and I spent 20 years as a paramedic in the 911 system. So I’ve done both now. I’ve done the tech side… and now I’ve done the college route.”

Meet Skadi: The service dog who graduated too

The celebration included one more memorable participant: Justin’s service dog, Skadi, who joined the family wearing her own graduation gown.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing that we’re going to be able to talk about forever,” Tammy said. “It’s exciting to do this as a family.”

What’s next for the France family?

The family that graduates together, not surprisingly, now wants to work together. The Frances say they plan to apply their education and experience to launch a family network engineering business. All three also plan to pursue additional graduate studies — and the legacy they’re building has nothing to do with degrees.

Going back to college after 50 — your questions answered

Is it too late to go back to college after 50?

Absolutely not. Adults 25 and older make up nearly 40% of all college students in the US today. Online programs make it possible to earn a degree while working full-time — on your own schedule and at your own pace.

What are the benefits of going back to college as an adult?

Adult learners bring decades of life and work experience to their studies, often making their education more meaningful and applicable. Many return to college to fulfill a lifetime goal, change careers, advance in their current field, or simply finish what they started. For many, like Tammy France, it’s about proving to themselves — and their families — that it’s never too late.

How do adults balance returning to college with work and family?

Online degree programs have made them significantly more accessible. Many adult students take one or two classes at a time, fitting coursework around jobs, family, and other responsibilities. The key, as Mike France discovered, is deciding it’s time — and taking that first step.

Can going back to college inspire your family?

The France family proves it can. When Mike enrolled, Tammy and Justin followed suit. Their story is a reminder that the decision to pursue your own goals can ripple outward — inspiring the people closest to you to do the same.

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