We’re residing longer than ever earlier than, and doing so in higher well being. So what are you able to do whenever you retire and need to maintain your thoughts sharp or want to realize further expertise to remain aggressive at work?

For a lot of, the reply is to return to highschool. However tuition may be prohibitively costly.

On the similar time, colleges need their lecture rooms to be filled with engaged college students, no matter age. Within the curiosity of constant training, many faculties and universities provide lowered or free school for seniors (sometimes, adults 60 and up, though the principles differ).

In truth, we discovered a minimum of one choice in each state.

Free (or Low-cost) School for Seniors in Each State

Whereas some establishments solely permit senior college students to audit courses, many provide the possibility to earn credit towards a level at a lowered — or utterly waived — tuition charge.

Does your state have a senior citizen training program you need to use? Discover out under!

1. Alabama

The Alabama Fee on Larger Schooling states that Alabama seniors can attend any two-year establishment inside the state tuition-free.

Adults 60 and older ought to contact the monetary help workplace at any neighborhood school for admission and eligibility particulars.

Some Alabama colleges, like Coastal Alabama Neighborhood School, provide on-line programs if you wish to keep away from in-person courses.

2. Alaska

The College of Alaska waives tuition for senior-citizen residents who obtain full Social Safety advantages. Seniors should wait till the primary day of courses to enroll to make sure that there’s house remaining; they need to additionally full a tuition-waiver kind.

Extra prices akin to pupil exercise, well being middle and lab charges are usually not coated; the coed should pay them straight.

On-line programs could also be included if provided; examine with the admissions workplace for affirmation.

3. Arizona

All 10 campuses of Maricopa Neighborhood School permit senior residents to take courses for credit score at 50% of the total tuition price.

College students 65 and older should register between the primary and second class classes of the semester to make sure house is out there. You’ll be able to register for in-person, on-line or hybrid courses.

4. Arkansas

Arkansas waives tuition for anybody 60 and over who needs to work towards an undergraduate or graduate diploma at state establishments.

Scholar charges could apply, and senior residents could register just for courses with house obtainable. If you happen to want on-line programs, examine along with your chosen school to see what choices you will have.

5. California

California State College waives all tuition for state-supported courses and dramatically reduces campus charges for residents age 60 or older.

Completely different Cal State areas could provide on-line programs or in-person courses. College students who attend in-person courses should present proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

6. Colorado

College students age 55 and older could attend class on a space-available foundation at Colorado State College. There isn’t a tuition payment, however guests don’t get credit score for attending class. It’s as much as the trainer how participation and grading of assignments and assessments are dealt with. CSU at the moment presents head to head, hybrid and on-line courses.

On the College of Colorado Denver, folks 60 and older could enroll on a no-credit foundation to attend as much as two courses per semester as auditors when house is out there. (Programs with a lab part are excluded, as are laptop programs and on-line programs.)

7. Connecticut

Residents 62 and up could attend state faculties, together with neighborhood faculties, at no cost on a space-available foundation.

At Central Connecticut State College, for instance, tuition is waived for any resident over the age of 62 who applies for full- or part-time admission for a degree-granting program. On-line programs are included.

Senior college students may take noncredit programs on a space-available foundation and have tuition waived. All college students should nonetheless pay all different charges.

8. Delaware

The College of Delaware, Delaware State College, and Delaware Technical and Neighborhood School permit all everlasting state residents age 60 or older to audit or take courses for credit score at no cost.

On the College of Delaware, college students wishing to make use of this system should apply for admission on a space-available foundation. Some graduate levels could also be eligible, as nicely. Residents can register for on-line or in-person programs.

Contributors should pay all associated pupil charges and purchase their very own textbooks.

9. District of Columbia

Senior residents 65 and up could audit undergraduate programs from Georgetown College’s Faculty of Persevering with Research. These college students pay a payment of $32 per credit score, which implies a three-credit course will price $96.

To audit a course, there have to be obtainable house and the trainer of file should approve the enrollment.

10. Florida

The Florida school system waives software, tuition and pupil charges for these age 60 and above, however faculties will award no credit score and can grant admission on a space-available foundation. Test to see whether or not your chosen school covers on-line programs in addition to in-person ones.

Enjoyable reality: Florida Atlantic College’s Lifelong Studying Society has the most important grownup persevering with training program within the U.S. It even has its personal auditorium on campus to assist serve FAU’s 30,000 new registrants annually.

11. Georgia

Georgia residents age 62 and above could take courses on a space-available foundation for “little or no price” on the state’s public faculties.

Seniors could select to take courses for credit score or persevering with training, however they need to apply by way of the common admissions course of at their faculty of alternative. Many basic training programs are provided on-line.

12. Hawaii

The Senior Citizen Customer Program on the College of Hawaii and state neighborhood faculties permits senior residents age 60 and as much as attend as much as two programs per semester freed from cost. Seniors who’ve been residents of Hawaii for a minimum of one 12 months could enroll in in-person, hybrid or on-line programs for no price. It’s advisable however not required for college kids to be vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19. College students should show tuberculosis (TB) clearance by offering take a look at outcomes or a TB threat evaluation kind signed by a licensed U.S. well being care supplier.

Faculties won’t award credit score nor will they maintain everlasting information of scholars’ class historical past.

13. Idaho

Applications in Idaho differ primarily based on establishment, however some colleges provide good offers. The School of Southern Idaho presents free tuition for decrease division programs for college kids aged 60 and older, along with different advantages. The faculty has on-line and in-person programs.

At Boise State College, Idaho residents who’re a minimum of 65 years outdated can audit courses on a space-available foundation at no cost apart from relevant particular course charges. BSU presents on-line programs in addition to in-person ones.

14. Illinois

Upon admission, senior residents age 65 and up who meet revenue necessities can attend common credit score programs at Illinois public establishments at no cost. Lab, pupil and different charges nonetheless apply. Every establishment can have steerage on registering for on-line or in-person courses.

15. Indiana

Indiana College presents applications that permit retired residents age 60 and older to take as much as 9 credit score hours per semester and pay simply 50% of in-state tuition charges. Programs are in particular person.

16. Iowa

Non-public establishment Simpson School in Indianola permits folks 65 and older to take one noncredit class at no cost per semester. Programs are open on a space-available foundation and don’t embody lab programs. On-line programs could also be obtainable.

17. Kansas

Tuition and costs are waived for college students age 65 and older taking courses on a space-available foundation. Residents have to be admitted to a state-supported faculty to make the most of this low cost. Every faculty may present data on in-person versus on-line programs.

The registration course of varies: The College of Kansas and Wichita State College, for instance, require senior auditors to use for admission. On-line or in-person programs could also be provided.

18. Kentucky

Tuition and costs are waived for college students age 65 and older taking courses on a space-available foundation. Residents have to be admitted to a state-supported faculty to make the most of this low cost. Every faculty may present data on in-person versus on-line programs.

19. Louisiana

College students age 65 and up attending Louisiana state colleges obtain free tuition and 50% off books and supplies on the campus pupil bookstore. Test with every faculty to see if on-line programs are included.

20. Maine

Senior residents 65 and up could attend undergraduate courses as degree-seeking or audit college students within the College of Maine System at no cost, topic to house availability.

Every school inside the system can present data on the sorts of programs coated (i.e., on-line, in-person, hybrid).

21. Maryland

Any pupil within the College of Maryland System who’s retired and over the age of 60 could have tuition waived for as much as three programs per semester, even for degree-granting applications. On-line programs can be found in addition to face-to-face choices.

On-line programs can be found in addition to face-to-face choices.

22. Massachusetts

Residents age 60 or older can take a minimum of three credit per semester at any state-supported faculty in Massachusetts and obtain free tuition.

Every location has data on what on-line programs are provided.

23. Michigan

Alternatives for seniors in Michigan differ by establishment.

At Michigan Tech, for instance, college students 60 and older can have tuition waived for as much as two programs per semester. Seniors should apply by way of the admissions workplace.

Western Michigan College invitations seniors 62 and older to register for one class per semester tuition-free, which can embody on-line courses.

At Wayne State College in Detroit, seniors 60 and up obtain a 75% low cost on tuition however should pay registration and associated charges. Wayne State presents some on-line programs.

24. Minnesota

Minnesota waives tuition for senior residents 62 and older, however charges and on-line choices could differ by faculty. On the College of Minnesota, seniors pay a $10 payment per credit score, however they will audit at no cost.

25. Mississippi

There’s no statewide profit in Mississippi, however some colleges have applications for seniors. 

Mississippi State College offers a waiver to residents age 60 or older for courses provided on the Starkville or Meridian campuses or by the Middle for Distance Schooling. Seniors are restricted to 6 semester hours per semester and a most of 18 credit score hours per calendar 12 months, the place house is out there. MSU presents on-line programs in addition to conventional in-person ones.

The College of Mississippi’s Workplace of Skilled Improvement and Lifelong Studying permits seniors 65 and older to take one class at no cost per semester (as much as 4 hours) at any UM campus.

26. Missouri

Missouri residents age 65 and older are exempt from paying tuition at state-supported establishments for courses attended on a noncredit foundation. Faculties could restrict the variety of college students who obtain the tutoring profit primarily based on house availability. On-line courses are provided along with in-person ones.

27. Montana

The Montana College System presents a tuition waiver for in-state residents 65 or older. Campus and registration charges are usually not waived. Select from on-line or in-person courses.

28. Nebraska

Chadron State School permits adults 65 and as much as audit one course per semester at no cost. The faculty presents courses on-line and on campus.

29. Nevada

The College of Nevada, Las Vegas permits seniors 62 and as much as take autumn and spring programs freed from cost. They pay 50% tuition for summer season courses. Lab and different course charges are usually not coated. On-line programs could also be provided.

30. New Hampshire

The College of New Hampshire presents residents 65 and older free tuition for 2 credit-bearing courses per tutorial 12 months on a space-available foundation, as long as they’re not enrolled in a level program. Programs are provided on-line or in particular person.

31. New Jersey

Rutgers College permits retired New Jersey residents 62 and older to audit programs at no cost within the spring and fall semesters at its Camden, New Brunswick and Newark campuses, house allowing. Present pointers permit senior residents to audit in-person or on-line courses if they’ve been absolutely vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.

32. New Mexico

New Mexico presents lowered tuition of simply $5 per credit score hour to state residents 65 and older. On-line programs can be found.

For-credit courses are eligible in addition to auditing; senior residents can take not more than 10 credit score hours per semester. This system is obtainable on a space-available foundation, and college students are liable for paying any further course charges.

33. New York

Many faculties provide free or lowered tuition for senior residents. Queens School permits residents 60 and as much as audit any course on a space-available foundation after finishing a Senior Citizen Auditor Utility and paying $80 per semester. Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations are required to enroll.

At SUNY Buy, New York state residents 60 and older can enroll tuition-free in a most of two credit-bearing, on-campus programs during which house is out there. They pay a $50 audit payment, $20 ID processing payment and any course charges. In-person, on-line and hybrid programs can be found, and COVID-19 vaccinations are required for anybody approaching campus.

34. North Carolina

Tuition and registration charges are waived for residents 65 or older attending North Carolina neighborhood faculties. Senior residents can take as much as six credit score hours per semester at no cost. Audit choices could also be obtainable at different colleges.

On the College of North Carolina Wilmington, for instance, senior residents could audit courses at no cost after getting the trainer’s permission and submitting an software. Lab, studio, efficiency, distance training, unbiased research, internship and particular subject programs are excluded. On-line programs can be found for many who desire them.

35. North Dakota

Applications differ by establishment in North Dakota. At Bismarck State, for instance, senior residents 65 and older can audit one course tuition-free per semester on a space-available foundation. They’re nonetheless liable for different course charges. Some on-line programs can be found.

36. Ohio

Ohio residents a minimum of 60 years outdated could attend class at any state school at no cost. Senior-citizen college students don’t obtain credit score and might register solely on a space-available foundation. They’re nonetheless liable for particular assessments, akin to lab charges, which will apply.

Many Ohio state faculties provide on-line programs, in addition to in-person and hybrid.

37. Oklahoma

Oklahoma state faculties and universities waive tuition and costs for senior residents 65 and older who want to audit courses on a space-available foundation.

38. Oregon

Oregon State College permits senior residents a minimum of 65 years outdated to audit courses at no cost at a most of eight credit score hours per semester.

The College of Oregon additionally waives charges for seniors 65 and older auditing courses on a space-available foundation.

On-line course choices could also be provided relying on availability.

39. Pennsylvania

Clarion College presents a tuition waiver for residents 62 and as much as audit courses. At Bloomsburg College, you have to be solely 60 to take tuition-free courses on a space-available foundation.

There may be further advantages on the neighborhood school stage: Bucks County Neighborhood School, for instance, waives for-credit course tuition for seniors 65 and up as long as they register after college students who’re paying full tuition. Many programs are provided on-line, although some in-person and hybrid choices can be found.

40. Rhode Island

Tuition waivers may be requested from residents over 60 on the Neighborhood School of Rhode Island. Seats are granted when there may be house obtainable.

All degree-seeking senior college students should fill out a FAFSA. Additionally they should submit a Senior Residents Means Take a look at to confirm they’ve restricted revenue.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to attend in-person courses. There are additionally on-line courses.

41. South Carolina

Residents 60 and above can attend courses at state colleges on a credit score or noncredit foundation, pending house obtainable, at no cost. The varsity should grant admission through its regular procedures.

Expertise, lab and different charges are the duty of the coed. Many South Carolina neighborhood faculties provide on-line programs for these .

42. South Dakota

Residents 65 and older can attend public universities in South Dakota at 55% of the traditional price of tuition for undergraduate or graduate in-person programs on a foremost college campus.

adults ought to apply by way of the common admissions system, and the varsity will mechanically grant the low cost upon admission. Scholar charges are usually not waived.

Contact your chosen college to see whether or not on-line programs are provided.

43. Tennessee

The College of Tennessee permits senior residents to enroll in undergraduate or graduate programs for $7 per credit score hour with a most payment of $70.

College students will nonetheless pay software and course charges. Senior residents can select between on-line programs and in-person ones.

44. Texas

A senior citizen age 65 or older can take as much as six tuition-free credit score hours on the College of Texas at Austin.

On the College of Texas at Dallas and Lone Star School, undergrad college students 65 and older should preserve a 2.0 cumulative GPA to obtain a tuition waiver for as much as six credit score hours per semester.

Test with every particular person college to see which on-line and in-person courses can be found for enrollment.

45. Utah

Utah residents age 62 and up could enroll tuition-free at a state establishment, house allowing; a quarterly registration payment is required.

On the College of Utah, for instance, seniors can audit most courses on a space-available foundation and solely should pay a payment of $25 per semester, plus any particular charges required. Name to see whether or not on-line courses are included.

46. Vermont

Vermonters over the age of 65 can audit one class per semester tuition-free on a space-available foundation within the Vermont State School System. College students can take further courses at a 50% low cost of the tutoring charge, both in particular person or on-line.

They’ll nonetheless should pay administration and course charges for all courses.

47. Virginia

Beneath the amended phrases of the Senior Residents Larger Schooling Act of 1974, Virginia residents over 60 years outdated who earn a taxable revenue of lower than $23,850 yearly can audit as much as three programs per time period at no cost on a space-available foundation at any public establishment, both in particular person or on-line.

48. Washington

Establishments in Washington are required to partially or absolutely waive tuition charges for residents age 60 or older who’re enrolled for credit score on a space-available foundation. Nominal charges could apply to college students auditing programs.

Some colleges restrict senior residents to a sure variety of courses or credit; for instance, Washington State College caps the waiver at six credit for the autumn and spring semesters. On-line applications can be found.

49. West Virginia

Senior residents 65 and older at West Virginia College in search of school credit score should use the common admissions kind. These wishing to be non-degree college students pay simply $5 to use. WVU presents courses on-line or in particular person.

50. Wisconsin

Adults 60 and up could audit courses on the College of Wisconsin-Madison campus or at UW-Madison On-line at no cost, the place house is out there.

51. Wyoming

At Laramie County Neighborhood School, senior residents 60 and older pay solely 20% of the resident tuition charge  per credit score hour, although they nonetheless must pay another course or on-line charges.

Northwest School presents adults 60 and older free tuition as much as six credit score hours per semester for on-site and on-line programs, in addition to free entry to most school social, cultural and athletic occasions.

One other Persevering with Schooling Choice

Greater than 100 faculties and universities across the nation provide one other persevering with training program for senior residents: enrichment programs by way of the Osher Lifelong Studying Institutes (OLLI).

Costs differ relying upon the establishment. Duke College, for instance, has a $50 annual membership payment after which costs $50 to $175 per class. Senior residents can select to take courses on-line or in particular person.

OLLI courses don’t rely towards a level, however in case you’re in search of private improvement alternatives amongst older adults, these programs can present alternatives that blend within the campus expertise, too.

Contributor Catherine Hiles up to date this publish for 2023.