As an expert in the field of higher education and academic career progression, I can provide you with a detailed analysis of the average age of a college professor. It's important to note that this is a complex issue with many variables, including the country of employment, the discipline, the type of institution, and the individual's career trajectory.

**Step 1: Understanding the Academic Ranks and Tenure System**
In the United States, the academic ranks for faculty members typically include Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Full Professor. The tenure system is a key component of academic life, offering job security to professors once they have demonstrated a certain level of professional achievement.

**Step 2: Factors Influencing the Average Age**
The average age of a college professor can be influenced by several factors:


1. Academic Discipline: Professors in certain fields may progress more quickly due to the nature of their research or the demand for their expertise.


2. Type of Institution: Research universities often have more stringent tenure requirements, which could delay the average age at which professors achieve full status.


3. Geographical Location: The average age can vary by country and even within different regions of a country.


4. Individual Career Path: Some professors may advance more rapidly due to exceptional performance, while others may take longer or choose alternative paths such as focusing on teaching over research.


5. Gender and Diversity: Historically, there have been disparities in the average ages of professors based on gender and other diversity factors, though these are changing over time.

Step 3: Research Findings and Data
According to various studies and surveys, the average age when a professor achieves tenure (and thus the rank of Associate Professor) is around 39, as you mentioned. However, becoming a Full Professor often comes later in one's career. The average age of Full Professors is often cited as being around 55, but this can vary widely.

Step 4: Consideration of Recent Trends
It's also important to consider recent trends in academia. There is a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, which may affect the average age as more individuals from underrepresented groups enter the professoriate. Additionally, the increasing number of non-tenure-track positions could impact the average age of those who achieve the rank of Full Professor, as these positions often come with different career trajectories.

Step 5: Conclusion
In conclusion, while the average age of Full Professors is often cited as 55 and the average age for granting tenure is around 39, these figures are general estimates and can be influenced by a multitude of factors. It's also worth noting that the path to becoming a college professor is highly individualized, and the timeline for achieving various ranks can differ significantly from one person to another.

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Typically, the research expectations for tenure are adjusted accordingly. Very few people become Full Professors before the age of 40; the average age of Full Professors is 55 and the average age when tenure is granted is at 39.Aug 18, 2017read more >>