We’re living longer and staying healthier, and retirement is increasingly seen as a new chapter for growth and learning. Many seniors are returning to education to keep their minds active, pursue passions, or gain skills for a changing world. Tuition costs, however, can be a significant barrier.
Fortunately, numerous colleges and universities recognize the value of senior students and offer accessible pathways to higher education. Many institutions provide reduced or even free college courses for senior citizens, typically defined as adults aged 60 and over, although specific age requirements can vary. This commitment to lifelong learning opens doors for seniors to audit courses, pursue degrees, and enrich their lives through education.
In fact, opportunities for tuition assistance for senior citizens exist across the United States, making education more attainable than ever before.
Your State-by-State Guide to Senior Citizen Tuition Programs
While some colleges may limit senior participation to auditing classes, many extend the opportunity to earn credits towards a degree with significantly reduced or completely waived tuition fees. Is there a program in your state that can help you pursue your educational goals? Explore the options below!
1. Alabama
The Alabama Commission on Higher Education confirms that eligible Alabama residents aged 60 and over can attend any two-year institution within the state without paying tuition.
Interested seniors should contact the financial aid office at their local community college to inquire about admission requirements and eligibility details.
Coastal Alabama Community College and other Alabama colleges also offer online courses, providing flexible learning options.
2. Alaska
The University of Alaska offers a tuition waiver for senior residents who are receiving full Social Security benefits. Seniors need to wait until the first day of classes to register, ensuring space availability, and must complete a tuition waiver form.
It’s important to note that while tuition is waived, students are still responsible for fees such as student activity, health center, and lab fees.
Online college courses may be included in the waiver program; it’s best to confirm with the admissions office for specific course availability.
3. Arizona
All ten campuses within the Maricopa Community College system offer a 50% tuition reduction for credit classes taken by senior citizens aged 65 and older.
Seniors can register for classes between the first and second class sessions of the semester, subject to space availability. This discount applies to in-person, online, and hybrid courses.
4. Arkansas
Arkansas provides a tuition waiver for residents 60 and over interested in pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at state institutions.
While tuition is waived, students may still be responsible for student fees. Enrollment for senior citizens is on a space-available basis. For online course options, it’s recommended to check with the specific college.
5. California
The California State University system offers a significant benefit to senior residents aged 60 and older by waiving tuition for state-supported courses and substantially reducing campus fees.
The availability of online or in-person classes may vary by campus location.
6. Colorado
Colorado offers two distinct programs for senior learners. Colorado State University allows individuals age 55 and older to attend classes on a space-available basis without tuition fees. However, this is an audit program, and no academic credit is awarded. The level of participation and grading is determined by the instructor. CSU offers a range of class formats, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online.
The University of Colorado Denver extends a similar opportunity to residents 60 and older, allowing them to audit up to two classes per semester tuition-free, provided space is available. Certain courses, such as lab-based and computer courses, may be excluded. Refer to their website for specific course exclusions.
7. Connecticut
Connecticut residents aged 62 and up can attend state colleges, including community colleges, tuition-free on a space-available basis.
For example, Central Connecticut State University waives tuition for residents over 62 who are admitted to degree-granting programs, whether full-time or part-time. This includes online courses.
Seniors can also take non-credit courses tuition-free, subject to space availability. All students are responsible for mandatory fees.
8. Delaware
The University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical and Community College all provide tuition-free opportunities for permanent state residents aged 60 and older to audit courses or take classes for credit.
At the University of Delaware, eligible seniors must apply for admission on a space-available basis. Notably, some graduate degree programs may also be included in this program. Both online and in-person courses are available.
Participants are required to cover student fees and textbook costs.
9. District of Columbia
Senior citizens aged 65 and older in Washington D.C. have the opportunity to audit undergraduate courses at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies. A nominal fee of $50 per credit applies, making a three-credit course cost $150.
Course enrollment is contingent on space availability and instructor approval.
10. Florida
The Florida College System offers a significant benefit for seniors aged 60 and above by waiving application, tuition, and student fees. However, it’s important to note that colleges do not award academic credit for courses taken under this program. Admission is based on space availability. Check with your chosen college to see if online courses are included in the waiver.
Florida Atlantic University’s Lifelong Learning Society stands out as the largest adult continuing education program in the U.S., boasting its own auditorium on campus to accommodate its 30,000 annual registrants.
11. Georgia
Georgia extends opportunities to residents aged 62 and above to take classes at the state’s public colleges on a space-available basis for “little or no cost.”
Seniors can choose to pursue courses for credit or continuing education, but they must apply through the standard admissions process. Many general education courses are available online.
12. Hawaii
The Senior Citizen Visitor Program at the University of Hawaii and its community colleges allows senior residents aged 60 and up to attend up to two courses per semester without charge. Eligibility requirements include instructor approval, state residency, and health clearance from the state Department of Health.
Academic credit is not awarded, and permanent records of course history are not maintained for students in this program.
13. Idaho
Idaho’s programs for senior learners vary by institution, but valuable opportunities exist. The College of Southern Idaho offers tuition-free lower division courses for students aged 60 and older, alongside other benefits. Both online and in-person courses are available.
At Boise State University, Idaho residents aged 65 and older can audit classes tuition-free on a space-available basis, excluding special course fees. BSU also offers both online and in-person course formats.
14. Illinois
Illinois provides a pathway to tuition-free education for senior citizens aged 65 and up who meet income requirements upon admission to Illinois public institutions. This program applies to regular credit courses. Lab, student, and other fees still apply. Each institution provides guidance on registering for online or in-person classes.
15. Indiana
Indiana University offers a program where retired residents aged 60 and older can take up to nine credit hours per semester at 50% of the in-state tuition rate. Courses are offered in person.
16. Iowa
Private institution Simpson College in Indianola allows senior citizens (65 and older) to take one non-credit college course per semester tuition-free, subject to space availability. Lab courses are excluded, but online courses may be available.
17. Kansas
Kansas residents aged 60 and older can audit courses at state institutions tuition-free on a space-available basis. They can also take courses for credit at a reduced rate of $230 per credit.
The registration process varies by institution. For example, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University require senior auditors to apply for admission. Both online and in-person courses may be offered.
18. Kentucky
Kentucky waives tuition and mandatory fees for students aged 65 and older taking classes on a space-available basis. Eligible residents must be admitted to a state-supported school. Information on in-person and online courses is available from each school.
19. Louisiana
Louisiana offers a generous program for students aged 55 and up attending Louisiana state schools, providing free tuition and a 50% discount on books and materials at campus bookstores. Confirm with each school whether online courses are included in this benefit.
20. Maine
Maine extends tuition-free education to senior citizens aged 65 and up in the University of Maine System. Seniors can attend undergraduate classes as degree-seeking or auditing students, subject to space availability.
Each college within the system can provide details on covered course types, including online, in-person, or hybrid formats.
21. Maryland
The University System of Maryland waives tuition for retired residents over 60 years old for up to three courses per semester, even in degree-granting programs. Online and face-to-face courses are available.
22. Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers free tuition to residents aged 60 or older taking at least three credits per semester at any state-supported school. Free tuition is provided under this program.
Each institution can provide information about online course offerings.
23. Michigan
Michigan’s senior education opportunities vary by institution.
Michigan Tech waives tuition for students 60 and older for up to two courses per semester. Courses must be on campus, and seniors need to apply through the admissions office.
Western Michigan University invites seniors 62 and older to register for one tuition-free class per semester or session, which may include online options.
Wayne State University in Detroit provides seniors 60 and up with a 75% tuition discount, while registration and other fees still apply. Wayne State offers some online courses.
24. Minnesota
Minnesota waives tuition for senior citizens aged 62 and older, but fees and online options vary by school. At the University of Minnesota, seniors pay a $10 fee per credit for credit courses but can audit for free.
25. Mississippi
Mississippi does not have a statewide program, but some institutions offer benefits.
Mississippi State University offers tuition waivers to residents aged 60 or older for courses on the Starkville or Meridian campuses or through the Center for Distance Education. Seniors are limited to six semester hours per semester and 18 credit hours per calendar year, space permitting. MSU offers both online and in-person courses.
The University of Mississippi’s Office of Professional Development and Lifelong Learning allows seniors 65 and older to take one free class per semester (up to four hours) at any UM campus.
26. Missouri
Missouri residents aged 65 and older are tuition-exempt at state-supported institutions for non-credit courses. Schools may limit enrollment based on space availability. Online classes are offered in addition to in-person options.
27. Montana
The University of Montana offers tuition waivers for in-state residents aged 65 or older for undergraduate classes. Campus and registration fees are not waived. Online and in-person classes are available.
28. Nebraska
Nebraska residents aged 65 or older can audit classes at the University of Nebraska Omaha through the Lifelong Learning for Senior Learners program. For a $25 annual fee, seniors can attend up to two in-person classes per semester with instructor permission. Online options are not available for this program.
29. Nevada
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers free autumn and spring courses to seniors aged 62 and up, with 50% tuition for summer classes. Lab and other course fees are not covered. Online courses may be offered.
30. New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire provides residents aged 65 and older with free tuition for two credit-bearing classes per academic year on a space-available basis, provided they are not enrolled in a degree program. Courses are offered online or in person.
31. New Jersey
Rutgers University allows retired New Jersey residents aged 62 and older to audit courses tuition-free in the spring and fall semesters at its Camden, New Brunswick, and Newark campuses, space permitting. Current guidelines allow auditing of in-person or online classes if fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
32. New Mexico
New Mexico offers reduced tuition of just $5 per credit hour for state residents aged 65 and older. This applies to both for-credit classes and auditing, with a limit of 10 credit hours per semester. The program is space-available, and students are responsible for additional course fees. Online courses are available.
33. New York
New York offers numerous options for tuition assistance. Queens College allows residents 60 and up to audit courses on a space-available basis for $80 per semester after application.
At SUNY Purchase, New York residents aged 60 and older can enroll tuition-free in up to two credit-bearing, on-campus courses, space permitting. A $50 audit fee, $25 ID processing fee, and course fees apply. In-person, online, and hybrid courses are available.
34. North Carolina
North Carolina waives tuition and registration fees for residents aged 65 or older attending North Carolina community colleges. Seniors can take up to six credit hours per semester tuition-free. Audit options may be available at other schools.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, for example, allows seniors to audit courses tuition-free on a space-available basis with instructor permission and application. Certain course types are excluded (lab, studio, online, etc.). Online courses are available for those who prefer them, though audit waivers may not apply.
35. North Dakota
North Dakota programs vary by institution. Bismarck State, for example, allows residents 65 and older to audit one course per semester tuition-free, space permitting. Other course fees still apply. Some online courses are available.
36. Ohio
Ohio residents aged 60 and older can attend classes tuition-free at any state college, on a space-available basis. Senior students do not receive credit and are responsible for special assessments like lab fees.
Many Ohio state colleges offer online, in-person, and hybrid courses.
37. Oklahoma
Oklahoma state colleges and universities waive tuition and fees for senior citizens aged 65 and older who wish to audit classes on a space-available basis.
38. Oregon
Oregon State University allows seniors aged 65 and older to audit courses tuition-free, up to eight credit hours per semester.
The University of Oregon also waives fees for seniors 65 and older auditing courses, space permitting.
Online course options may be available depending on the institution.
39. Pennsylvania
Clarion University offers tuition waivers for residents 62 and up to audit classes. Bloomsburg University lowers the age to 60 for tuition-free classes on a space-available basis.
Community colleges like Bucks County Community College may offer additional benefits, waiving for-credit course tuition for seniors 65 and up who register after full-tuition students. Many online courses are available, with in-person and hybrid options as well.
40. Rhode Island
Community College of Rhode Island offers tuition waivers for citizens over 60, granted on a space-available basis.
Degree-seeking senior students must complete a FAFSA and a Senior Citizens Means Test to verify limited income.
41. South Carolina
South Carolina residents 60 and above can attend state college courses for credit or non-credit tuition-free, space permitting, following normal admission procedures.
Students are responsible for technology, lab, and other fees. Many South Carolina community colleges offer online courses.
42. South Dakota
South Dakota residents aged 65 and older attending public universities in South Dakota receive a 45% tuition reduction.
No formal application is needed; the discount is automatically applied upon admission. Student fees are not waived, and the discount is for in-person classes only.
43. Tennessee
The University of Tennessee allows senior citizens to enroll in undergraduate or graduate courses for a significantly reduced rate of $7 per credit hour, capped at $70 per semester.
Application and course fees still apply. Both online and in-person courses are available.
44. Texas
Texas offers several options. Seniors aged 65 and older can take up to six tuition-free credit hours at the University of Texas at Austin.
The University of Texas at Dallas and Lone Star College require undergrad students 65 and older to maintain a 2.0 GPA (3.0 for graduate students) for a tuition waiver of up to six credit hours per semester.
Check with each university for online and in-person course availability.
45. Utah
Utah residents aged 62 and up can enroll tuition-free at a state institution, space permitting, with a required quarterly registration fee.
At the University of Utah, seniors can audit most classes on a space-available basis for a $25 per semester fee, plus any special fees. Inquire about online course inclusion.
46. Vermont
Vermont residents over 65 can audit one class per semester tuition-free in the Vermont State College System, space permitting. Additional classes are available at a 50% tuition discount, in person or online.
Administration and course fees still apply to all classes.
47. Virginia
Under the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974, Virginia residents over 60 with a taxable income under $23,850 annually can audit up to three courses per term tuition-free at any public institution, in person or online, on a space-available basis.
48. Washington
Washington State requires institutions to partially or fully waive tuition fees for residents aged 60 or older enrolled for credit on a space-available basis. Nominal fees may apply for auditing.
Washington State University caps the waiver at six credits per semester. Online programs are available.
49. West Virginia
Senior citizens aged 65 and older at West Virginia University seeking college credit use the regular admissions form. Non-degree seeking seniors pay a minimal $5 application fee. WVU offers online and in-person classes.
50. Wisconsin
Wisconsin residents aged 60 and up can audit courses tuition-free at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus or UW-Madison Online, space permitting.
51. Wyoming
At Laramie County Community College, seniors aged 60 and older pay only 20% of the resident tuition rate per credit hour, though course or online fees still apply.
Northwest College offers adults 60 and older free tuition up to six credit hours per semester for on-site and online courses, plus free entry to most college events.
Explore Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI)
Beyond traditional degree programs, over 100 colleges and universities nationwide offer enrichment courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI).
Duke University, for example, has a $60 annual membership fee and class fees ranging from $45 to $175. OLLI courses do not count towards degrees but offer personal development and community engagement opportunities for seniors, both online and in person.
Continuing education is a valuable pursuit at any age. These state and institutional programs can make lifelong learning accessible and affordable for senior citizens across the United States.
