Typically, retirement is a time when you can kick back and relax. And, there’s nothing wrong with that. You’ve paid your dues, after all. However, learning new skills can help you keep your mind sharp.
Did you also know that in the United States, many institutions offer senior citizens free college courses? Taking advantage of these programs is a great way to discover new interests, stay on top of your intellectual game, and prevent isolation.
Even better? A grade isn’t always important. Audit classes are often offered without homework or exams for seniors in many schools. Furthermore, retirees may be entitled to free tuition.
Alabama
According to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, all Alabama residents age 60 and older can enroll in two-year post-secondary institutions for free. These include any of Alabama Community College System’s 24 community and technical colleges, such as Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama Technical Institute, and Marion Military InstituteHowever, the University of Arkansas offers its silver foxes the chance to become “Senior Razorbacks.” If you didn’t know, the Razorback, the university mascot, is a feral hog known for its “tenacious, wild fighting ability.”
- Have an Arkansas residency
- Be at least 60 years of age
- Graduated from high school or earned a GED
- Obtain an admissions offer from the University of Arkansas
Alaska
There are some people who are not interested in retiring to Florida. If you’re in that boat, you might want to consider the Last Frontier State if you prefer a colder climate in your retirement years.At the University of Alaska, which comprises three campuses across the state, residents 65 and older are eligible for free tuition. There are no fees or surcharges associated with course fees and surcharges, and admission to classes is granted on a “space available” basis.
Arizona
In Arizona, tuition deals for older residents aren’t free. There is, however, a 50 percent discount on resident tuition rates at Maricopa (County) Community Colleges for residents 65 and over (currently $85 per credit hour). Fees for registration and specific courses are also required.Those over the age of 65 are eligible for a senior discount on all for-credit classes in the college system with open seats. Non-credit courses do not qualify for a discount.
Arkansas
All state-supported colleges, including community colleges, waive tuition and student fees for Arkansas residents 60 and older.California
As a result of Education Code 89330, CSU students who are seniors are entitled to free tuition. That means all campuses must waive tuition for California residents ages 60 and over. A number of tuition, application, health, and instructional fees are waived.In addition, California state colleges also waive application fees and class activity fees for older students. For student fees, which cover the student body association and health facilities, you’ll only have to pay $1.
Colorado
The Colorado State University offers free classes for lifelong learners age 55 and older on a space-available basis. But those classes don’t lead to college credits. To request a lifetime learner class visit, complete the Lifetime Learner Class Visitation Request Form. Students who are lifelong learners will not be charged for student services such as student health, counseling, and event tickets.Connecticut
Residents 62 years of age and older are eligible to receive free tuition at Connecticut colleges and universities, according to state law. Across the state, the University of Connecticut, Connecticut State University, and 12 regional community-technical colleges follow this policy. But, it may be a good idea to focus on UConn’s senior citizen audit program, which allows seniors to audit undergraduate courses.- Applicants age 62 and older, who have been admitted to UConn and CSU, are eligible for the tuition waiver.
- After paying students have enrolled in the course, there must also be enough room in the course.
- Tuition is free, but any additional class fees are your responsibility.
Delaware
For Delaware residents 60 and older, Delaware’s three public higher education institutions, including the University of Delaware, waive tuition and other fees. As a matter of state law, Chapter 34, Subchapter X to be exact, it’s enforceable. Be aware, though, that UD’s Over-60 Tuition-Free Degree Program works on a space-available basis and doesn’t cover continuing education.Residents aged 65 and older have access to classes after paying students have enrolled. A formal degree must be pursued by older applicants, as well as meeting all the class requirements. For example, if only students majoring in that field are eligible.
Florida
Any Florida resident over 60 who takes for-credit classes at one of Florida’s state universities is exempt from tuition and fees thanks to Florida statute Chapter 1009. But, the credits you earn won’t count toward your degree. Also, all students who pay for classes, as well as state employees, get first dibs.Georgia
Several states’ constitutions mention free education for senior citizens, and Georgia is one of them.Hawaii
At the University of Hawaii and state community colleges, courses are free for residents aged 60 and older. This is through the Senior Citizens Visitor Program, which is also known as Nā Kūpuna Program. This translates to “honored ancestor”.Idaho
On a space-available basis, University of Idaho courses is available to Idaho residents aged 60 and older. Each credit hour costs $5, plus $20 for the course.It is necessary to wait until after regular registration has ended before registering. In addition to lab fees and special course fees, participants must pay other fees.
Participating in this program only gives participants access to the library and class instruction. Unfortunately, unlike paying students, you won’t have access to athletic events or recreation facilities.
Illinois
Are you a Windy City fan, but prefer the suburbs? In that case, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a research pioneer, offers more than 5,000 courses in more than 150 undergraduate studies.Furthermore, if your household income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level and you are 65 or older, you can apply free of charge. Also, to attend the university, you must apply and be accepted.
Indiana
There isn’t as much generosity in the Hoosier State as in other states. On the other hand, residents 65 and older can take up to nine credits at the state’s public universities at 50 percent off the normal in-state tuition. It is the student’s responsibility to pay lab fees, application fees, and registration fees.Iowa
In Indianola, Iowa, Simpson College offers non-credit classes tuition-free for people 65 and older. Are you interested in taking a course for credit? Those can be taken for $375 per credit hour at the discounted rate.FYI, lab courses do not come with a discount or are free. All classes are subject to space availability, and you may only enroll in one course each semester.
Kansas
Kansas residents age 60 and older are entitled to free tuition under Chapter 2, Section B.1 of the Kansas Board of Regents Policy Manual. As a result of this law, students can audit eligible courses for free at a state university, including Kansas University in Lawrence.Nondegree-seeking undergraduates and graduates at the Medical Center and KU’s main campus may qualify for a senior citizen waiver. Each semester, students are required to submit a form.
Kentucky
Always wanted to cheer on the Wildcats? If so, you can take advantage of Donovan Scholarship tuition waiver.The program is only available to adults over the age of 65 who are taking academic courses. With the exception of age and class space availability, tuition programs are fairly flexible. With a Donovan Scholarship, you are able to audit classes without earning credit. Alternatively, you can earn credit even if you don’t plan to earn a degree. If you are seeking a degree, you can enroll in courses as well.
Louisiana
Tuition and registration fees are waived for residents 55 and older at Louisiana’s public colleges and universities. The program also offers half-priced “reference books, manuals, and other aids to instruction which are required by any course in which such student is enrolled when purchased from a public college or university-operated bookstore.”Maine
Senior citizens (65 years and older) can take advantage of free college tuition at the University of Maine college system. It also includes those irritating mandatory fees colleges and universities so notoriously charge.Maryland
For students 60 years of age and older, the University of Maryland at College Park offers the Golden ID Card Program that waives tuition. Other fees, however, may apply.There are, however, a few conditions. Applicants must be Maryland residents, U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, and retired (defined as “not engaged in gainful employment for more than 20 hours a week”).
It is possible to register for both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking courses if you meet the university’s admission requirements.
Massachusetts
State residents over 60 years of age, who the Commonwealth calls “senior citizens,” are exempt from tuition at public universities and colleges within Massachusetts’ higher education system. These include UMass Boston and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.Michigan
As a Michigan state resident, you’ll need to check to see if the public college or university you want to attend offers free or reduced tuition. For example, Northern Michigan University offers “full tuition scholarships” to residents aged 62 and older. Courses taken off-campus or online are not included. To apply, you must pay an application fee (fee waived), and you must purchase books and course materials.- Central Michigan University. There is no charge for seniors 60 and over to audit classes.
- Lake Superior State University. Classes are free for students 60 and older.
- Michigan Tech. For students 60 and older, the university waives tuition and fees for up to two courses per semester.
- Western Michigan University. Locals 62 and older can take one course for free each semester.
Minnesota
Courses are tuition-free for Minnesota residents 62 and older at the University of Minnesota and across Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Students who participate in the program are also exempt from activity fees, but they must pay administration fees—unless they are auditing the course. Course materials and service fees may also be charged.Mississippi
The Magnolia State doesn’t have a statewide program for free (or nearly so) college tuition, unlike many other states. However, specific universities and colleges do offer some incentives for late-life education.The University of Mississippi also caters to true seniors. Up to two on-campus classes per semester can be taken tuition-free by state residents aged 60 and older. There are a limited number of spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. And as the university states, “senior citizen students are responsible for paying any course or laboratory fees; distance fees; cost of course materials or textbooks. Credit hours taken in excess of the specified limits of this policy shall be paid by the senior citizen as the actual tuition for those hours.”
Missouri
By law, Missouri residents age 65 and older are guaranteed scholarships that include tuition waivers for all public institutions, including community colleges and State Tech. College credit is not given for courses taken by scholarship recipients, and courses are accepted according to space availability.Montana
There are many programs in the Montana State University System that cater to late-life learners. These include the University of Montana and Montana State University campuses, as well as community colleges. Universities within the system offer tuition waivers (or acceptance to the Golden College Program, as the University of Montana calls it) to residents 65 years and older. A senior student’s tuition is covered, but all other fees are their responsibility.Nebraska
In Nebraska, older students don’t qualify for a statewide tuition waiver program. There are, however, some colleges that offer free or discounted tuition.Nevada
The University of Nevada Las Vegas partners with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to offer classes to seniors. UNLV reports that the “OLLI at UNLV program is designed specifically for retired and semi-retired adults who are interested in continuing their education and having the opportunity to meet new and interesting peers.”It is possible for members to attend as many classes as they like, as long as there is space available. Fall or spring semester registration costs $90. The annual membership fee is $175.
New Hampshire
At the University of New Hampshire, seniors can take up to two for-credit courses tuition-free each academic year. Other costs for the class, including fees and required materials, are the responsibility of the student.New Jersey
According to availability, Rutgers offers free college courses to seniors through its Senior Citizen Audit Program. Residents of the Garden State over the age of 62 can audit classes for no tuition cost but must pay for textbooks.New Mexico
Retirement classes in New Mexico aren’t free, but they’re pretty cheap. As a result of the Senior Citizens Reduced Tuition Act of 1984, this program is governed by statute.Upon request by the student, all public post-secondary institutions in the state must reduce tuition for senior citizens—age 65 or older. Per credit hour, there is a fee of $5.
- Course requirements must be met.
- The maximum number of credits you can take per semester is six.
- In order to attend a campus, you must enroll there.
- If there is an additional course fee, you must pay it.
- There must be space available for you to enroll.
New York
There is a bill in the Assembly that would allow learners over 65 to take for-credit courses for free. However, for seniors, many SUNY campuses waive tuition, including SUNY Purchase.North Carolina
University of North Carolina campuses and community colleges offer tuition-free audit classes to seniors 65 and older, on a space-available basis. Additionally, there is no registration fee. But there may be an application fee, depending on the college.North Dakota
There is no law granting free or nearly free tuition to older residents of North Dakota, unlike many other states. Some state schools, however, offer tuition-free programs with some homework.Ohio
According to Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.27, all public universities and colleges in Ohio, including community colleges, allow residents age 60 and older to audit undergraduate, graduate-level, or online college courses tuition-free. It is your responsibility, though, to obtain instructor approval and to pay any course fees, including lab fees and required course materials.Oklahoma
Students 65 and older can audit classes tuition-free at Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities as long as there is space. In addition, fees are waived.Oregon
Senior citizens in Oregon are eligible to audit classes at the University of Oregon at no charge under the senior citizen registration classification. Each department must approve the benefit based on space availability.Pennsylvania
Currently, Pennsylvania does not have a tuition-free law for older students. However, if you look hard enough, you can find a few. Pennsylvania State University, for example, offers a Go-60 program in which state residents 60 and up can take up to six credits each semester, tuition-free, for credit or audit.Rhode Island
There are three colleges in Rhode Island where seniors can pursue their desired programs: the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and Community College of Rhode Island. As a senior, you can apply to these institutions in almost the same way as you would to most colleges. To qualify, one must be at least 60 years old.South Carolina
For seniors who qualify, Clemson University waives tuition costs.South Dakota
The University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Northern State University, Dakota State University, and Black Hills State University all offer 45 percent tuition discounts to state residents 65 and older.Tennessee
When you retire in Tennessee and establish residency, you have the opportunity to further your education at an unbelievable price. Residents 65 and older (and possibly 55 and older if you qualify) can take classes for credit at all state-supported universities and colleges. Fees for maintenance, activities, and student activities are also waived.Texas
State-funded colleges and universities in the Lone Star State allow residents 65 and older to take six credit hours per semester. After all, it is the law under Chapter 54 of the Texas Education Code. Fees, books, and continuing education classes are not covered by this award.Utah
As per Utah law, older residents receive free college tuition, if you define “lunch” as college tuition. Residents 62 and older are exempt from tuition and other charges at Utah colleges and universities (space permitting). According to the University of Utah, these are audited courses. To use the library and such, you will also need a University of Utah student card, which costs $10.Vermont
A Vermont resident 65 and older can audit one tuition-free course per semester at a college within the Vermont State Colleges System, including:- Castleton College
- Community College of Vermont
- Northern Vermont University
- Vermont Technical College.
Virginia
For Virginia residents age 60 and older taking three full—or part-time courses for academic credit, the Higher Education Act, Code 23.1-640, waives tuition. In the year preceding the award year, an applicant’s individual taxable income cannot exceed $23,850.Washington
Students 60 and older are entitled to a tuition and fee waiver at Washington state universities, regional universities, the Evergreen State’s colleges, and Washington’s community colleges and tech schools. These are credit courses.West Virginia
Under West Virginia law, citizens 65 and older are able to enroll in courses for credit or non-credit at reduced tuition and fees.For non-credit courses, the total tuition and fee charge cannot exceed $50, and for for-credit courses, tuition cannot exceed 50 percent of the normal rate charged to in-state residents.
Wisconsin
For adults 50 and older, the University of Wisconsin offers continuing studies programs. There are in-person and online courses available for professional development and personal enrichment. Senior citizens (with instructor approval) can audit courses for free.Noncredit classes in history, languages, and writing are also offered through the Continuing Studies program at the top public university.
Wyoming
On a space-available basis, Wyoming residents 65 and older can attend classes for free at the University of Wyoming. To attend the university, you must be admitted and show proof of your age and residency.FAQs
1. As a Senior Citizen, How Do I Apply for Online College?
In comparison to younger students, senior citizens find the college application process much easier. Typically, there is no requirement for test scores, such as SAT, ACT, or GRE, and no essay is required.- A minimum age of 60 is required.
- It is mandatory for you to be a U.S. citizen.
- High school diplomas or equivalents are required.
- The income requirements for certain waivers and discounts must be met.
2. What Are the Best Colleges for Seniors?
You should find out what degree or training a job requires if you’re retired and still want to work. You can use the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook to determine what degree level you need and the field of study you should concentrate on. Also, ensure that the schools you choose match your educational requirements.3. Are Senior Citizens Eligible for Tuition Waivers?
A 2008 survey by the American Council on Education found that 60 percent of accredited degree-granting educational institutions in the United States offer tuition waivers for older adults. Many schools offer discounts to senior citizens or let them attend classes for free, even if they don’t have tuition waivers.It is often necessary to get permission from the instructor in order to receive a tuition waiver because space is limited. There may be restrictions on credit-bearing courses at some schools, while noncredit courses may be eligible at others. A high school diploma and proof of state residency are usually required for eligible participants in some states.
4. What College Grants and Scholarships Are Available for Senior Citizens?
If you are a senior, you may be eligible for scholarships and grants offered by the state and university, as well as discount programs offered by private companies. You can determine your eligibility for state and federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).5. Why Should Retirees Attend College?
The brain may actually grow new cells and make new connections when we learn something new. In particular, this is of particular importance to seniors, as learning may improve cognitive health and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.- Prospects for better employment or generating a new income
- Taking part in social activities
- Developing new skills for part-time employment after retirement
- Growing as a person
- A better understanding of technology