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I have heard this idea many times.

So, is there any truth to it?

Does an older applicant, say, 10 years older than the typical undergraduate, with equally impressive qualifications, get accepted to PhD positions in American universities without funding?

If so, what is the reasoning behind this decision?

If this idea has some truth to it, wouldn't it be age discrimination?

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    Some institutions never admit students without funding.
    – Anonymous Physicist
    Apr 23, 2016 at 4:21
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    I know of some programs (including my own) that purposefully admit some older students since the diversity in background (having some people with industry experience) can help the cohort grow both academically and professionally. Just personal experience.
    – Chris Rackauckas
    Apr 23, 2016 at 15:53

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In my experience as a grad program director, there is zero truth to this rumor. Funding decisions have nothing to do with the applicant's age. Nor is having worked outside of academia for years a disadvantage -- we often look very favorably at students who bring with them substantial life experience beyond a college education.

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