Or, he was in the military, and is now going to school.
Or, he is paying his way through by working.
Or, he was an immature kid at 18, had to be out in the real world for a while before appreciating a college education.
Yes, all the above would be an example of "starting late."
Or maybe he is retraining himself after being laid-off. Lots of reasons to go back to school at that age.
Better than sitting on his duff with his hand out asking for Uncle Sam to take care of him.