I think it's all a matter of opinion and what you can handle. I had a daughter when I was 18. For better or worse, I grew up with her. We had a lot of fun, but it was a huge struggle financially. I unfortunately had to spend a lot of time away with work and when I went back to college. I missed a lot of firsts. I have huge regrets about it.
I have a 4 month old and I'm 35. I really think I appreciate him more than I appreciated my daughter. I loved her with all I had and I certainly still do, but I'm in a completely different place now. I am able to be home at night to put him to bed and in the mornings when he gets up. (yikes, he's in daycare during the day though

) Yes, I'll be in my 50's when he comes of age. I won't say he'll have a better life, because I can't really say that, but he'll have what he needs and more, where she always had what she needed, but not a lot extra.
I probably worded that all wrong. What I'm trying to say, is having been in both places, I think it's easier now.
I have to also say that once you have kids, it's really hard to go back to school to get your degree. It is possible and many people do it, but it's hard to find the time to do your studies and still balance all the needs of the children who obviously need to come first