As we live longer and healthier lives, the desire for lifelong learning is stronger than ever. Retirement can be a perfect time to pursue intellectual passions, sharpen cognitive skills, or even gain new professional competencies to remain competitive. For many senior citizens, returning to education, perhaps even pursuing a master’s program, is an attractive option. However, the cost of tuition can be a significant barrier. This leads many to ask: Does So Car Ofer Senior Citizen Tuition For Masters Program? While the phrasing might be a bit unclear, the core question is highly relevant: are there tuition benefits available to senior citizens, potentially for advanced degrees like a master’s?
Fortunately, the answer is a resounding yes for many. Recognizing the value of lifelong learning and the richness that older students bring to the classroom, numerous colleges and universities across the United States offer discounted or even free college courses for senior citizens. These programs, typically available to adults aged 60 and above (though age requirements can vary), aim to make education accessible regardless of age.
In fact, a wealth of opportunities exists across the nation, with at least one program identified in every state, offering pathways for seniors to audit courses or pursue degrees at significantly reduced costs.
Free or Reduced Tuition College Programs for Senior Citizens Across the USA
While some institutions may limit senior students to auditing classes on a non-credit basis, many others provide the chance to earn credits towards undergraduate and even graduate degrees with significantly reduced or completely waived tuition fees.
Are you interested in continuing your education? Discover if your state offers a senior citizen education program that you can utilize! Explore the options below to find out how you can return to school and enrich your life through learning.
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1. Alabama
The Alabama Commission on Higher Education highlights that senior residents of Alabama who meet the standard admission criteria can attend any two-year institution within the state without paying tuition fees.
Adults aged 60 and older interested in this program should directly contact the financial aid office at their chosen community college to obtain specific details regarding admission procedures and eligibility requirements.
For seniors seeking flexible learning options, institutions like Coastal Alabama Community College provide a range of online courses.
2. Alaska
The University of Alaska provides a tuition waiver for senior citizen residents who are recipients of full Social Security benefits. Eligible seniors should be aware that enrollment is on a space-available basis and registration can only occur starting on the first day of classes. A tuition-waiver form must also be completed to finalize enrollment.
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It is important to note that while tuition is waived, students are still responsible for covering additional expenses such as student activity fees, health center fees, and lab fees. These must be paid directly by the student.
The availability of online college courses for senior citizens under this waiver should be confirmed with the admissions office.
3. Arizona
Across all ten campuses of Maricopa Community College, senior citizens have the opportunity to enroll in classes for credit at a significantly reduced rate, paying only 50% of the standard tuition cost.
To ensure space availability, students aged 65 and older are required to register for courses between the first and second class sessions of the semester. Registration is open for various learning formats, including in-person, fully online, and hybrid classes.
4. Arkansas
Arkansas offers a generous tuition waiver for individuals aged 60 and above who are interested in pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree at any of the state’s public institutions.
While tuition is waived, students may still be responsible for student fees. Enrollment for senior citizens is contingent on course availability, meaning registration is only permitted for classes with remaining seats. Seniors interested in online learning options should confirm the availability of online courses with their chosen college.
5. California
The California State University system provides a comprehensive tuition waiver covering all state-supported courses for California residents aged 60 or older. Furthermore, campus fees are substantially reduced for eligible seniors.
The availability of online courses or traditional in-person classes may vary depending on the specific Cal State campus. Prospective students should check with individual locations for course format details.
6. Colorado
At Colorado State University, residents aged 55 and older are welcome to attend classes on a space-available basis. While tuition fees are waived under this program, it is important to note that participants do not receive academic credit for the courses they attend. The level of participation and grading of assignments and tests for senior visitors is determined at the discretion of the course instructor. CSU currently offers a variety of course formats, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online classes.
The University of Colorado Denver extends a similar opportunity to individuals aged 60 and older. Seniors can enroll as auditors on a no-credit basis to attend up to two courses per semester, provided space is available. However, certain courses are excluded from this program, including those with a lab component, computer courses, and other specific courses detailed on the university’s website.
7. Connecticut
Connecticut residents aged 62 and older are eligible to attend state colleges, including community colleges, without tuition fees, provided there is space available in the courses.
For example, Central Connecticut State University waives tuition for residents over 62 who are admitted to a degree-granting program, whether they are full-time or part-time students. This waiver also applies to online courses.
Senior students can also take noncredit courses on a space-available basis with tuition waived. It’s important to note that while tuition is waived for eligible seniors, all students are still required to pay all other applicable fees.
8. Delaware
The University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical and Community College all extend tuition benefits to permanent state residents aged 60 or older, allowing them to audit courses or take classes for credit without tuition charges.
At the University of Delaware, seniors interested in this program must apply for admission, and enrollment is based on course availability. Select graduate degree programs may also be included under this tuition waiver. Eligible residents can register for both online and in-person courses.
Participants in these programs are responsible for covering all related student fees and purchasing their own textbooks.
9. District of Columbia
Senior citizens aged 65 and older residing in the District of Columbia can audit undergraduate college courses through Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies. A fee of $50 per credit applies to these audited courses, meaning a standard three-credit course would cost $150.
Auditing a course is contingent upon space availability and requires approval from the course instructor.
10. Florida
The Florida college system provides a significant benefit for senior learners by waiving application, tuition, and student fees for individuals aged 60 and above. However, it is important to note that colleges operating under this waiver will not award academic credit for courses taken. Admission is granted on a space-available basis. Seniors should verify with their chosen college whether this waiver extends to online courses as well as in-person classes.
Fun Fact: Florida Atlantic University’s Lifelong Learning Society stands as the largest adult continuing education program in the United States, boasting its own dedicated auditorium on campus to accommodate its impressive 30,000 new registrants annually.
11. Georgia
Georgia extends learning opportunities to residents aged 62 and above, allowing them to take classes at the state’s public colleges on a space-available basis for “little or no cost.”
Seniors have the option to enroll in courses for academic credit or continuing education purposes. To participate, seniors must apply through the standard admissions process at their chosen institution. Many general education courses are conveniently offered online.
12. Hawaii
The Senior Citizen Visitor Program in the University of Hawaii system and across state community colleges enables senior residents aged 60 and up to attend up to two courses per semester without any tuition charges. Eligibility for this program requires meeting specific criteria, including obtaining written approval from the course instructor, demonstrating state residency, and possessing a health clearance from the state Department of Health.
Participating institutions will not award academic credit for courses taken under this program, nor will they maintain permanent records of students’ class history.
13. Idaho
Educational programs for seniors in Idaho vary by institution, but several offer notable benefits. The College of Southern Idaho provides free tuition for lower-division courses to students aged 60 and older, along with other advantages. The college offers both online and in-person course formats.
At Boise State University, Idaho residents aged 65 and older have the opportunity to audit classes on a space-available basis without tuition fees. However, applicable special course fees are not waived. BSU offers a mix of online and in-person course options.
14. Illinois
Upon gaining admission, senior citizens aged 65 and older who meet specific income requirements can attend regular credit courses at Illinois public institutions without tuition costs. It is important to note that lab fees, student fees, and other applicable fees still apply. Each institution provides specific guidance on registering for online or in-person classes.
15. Indiana
Indiana University offers programs designed for retired residents aged 60 and older. These programs allow eligible seniors to take up to nine credit hours per semester while paying only 50% of the standard in-state tuition fees. Courses under this program are typically offered in person.
16. Iowa
Private institution Simpson College in Indianola extends an opportunity to senior citizens aged 65 and older to take one noncredit college course per semester free of charge. Course availability is on a space-available basis, and lab courses are not included in this offering. Online courses may be available depending on the semester and program.
17. Kansas
Kansas residents aged 60 and older are eligible to audit courses at state institutions on a space-available basis without incurring tuition fees. Alternatively, seniors can choose to take courses for credit at a rate of $230 per credit hour.
The registration process can vary depending on the 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
Tuition and fees are waived for students aged 65 and older who enroll in classes on a space-available basis at Kentucky state-supported schools. To take advantage of this benefit, residents must be admitted to a participating institution. Each school can provide specific information on the availability of in-person versus online courses.
19. Louisiana
Louisiana state schools offer significant benefits to students aged 55 and up, including free tuition and a 50% discount on books and materials purchased at the campus student bookstore. Seniors should check with each school individually to confirm whether online courses are included in this tuition waiver program.
20. Maine
Senior citizens aged 65 and up in Maine have the opportunity to attend undergraduate classes within the University of Maine System without tuition fees, subject to course space availability. This benefit applies to both degree-seeking and audit students.
Each college within the University of Maine System can provide detailed information regarding the types of courses covered under this waiver, including online, in-person, and hybrid options.
21. Maryland
Within the University of Maryland System, any retired student over the age of 60 is eligible for a tuition waiver for up to three courses per semester. This benefit extends to degree-granting programs. Both online courses and face-to-face course offerings are available under this program.
22. Massachusetts
Massachusetts provides tuition-free educational opportunities for residents aged 60 or older. Eligible seniors can take at least three credits per semester at any state-supported school in Massachusetts and receive free tuition.
Each institution can provide specific details regarding the online courses offered under this tuition waiver program.
23. Michigan
Opportunities for seniors in Michigan vary by institution, with different colleges offering unique programs and benefits.
For example, at Michigan Tech, students aged 60 and older can have tuition waived for up to two courses per semester. However, courses must be taken on campus, and seniors are required to apply through the admissions office to access this benefit.
Western Michigan University extends an invitation to seniors aged 62 and older to register for one class per semester or session without tuition fees. This opportunity may include online courses.
At Wayne State University in Detroit, seniors aged 60 and up receive a 75% discount on tuition fees. However, it’s important to note that registration and related fees are still applicable. Wayne State offers a selection of online courses.
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24. Minnesota
Minnesota waives tuition fees for senior citizens aged 62 and older. However, it is important to note that fees and online course options may vary depending on the specific school. At the University of Minnesota, seniors are required to pay a nominal $10 fee per credit for courses taken for credit, but they can audit courses free of charge.
25. Mississippi
Mississippi does not offer a statewide benefit for senior citizens seeking tuition waivers, but individual schools may have their own programs and free college courses for seniors.
Mississippi State University provides a tuition waiver to residents aged 60 or older for courses offered on the Starkville or Meridian campuses, as well as through the Center for Distance Education. Eligible seniors are limited to six semester hours per semester and a maximum of 18 credit hours per calendar year, contingent on course availability. MSU provides both online courses and traditional in-person learning options.
The University of Mississippi’s Office of Professional Development and Lifelong Learning allows seniors aged 65 and older to take one class for free per semester (up to four credit hours) at any UM campus.
26. Missouri
Missouri residents aged 65 and older are exempt from paying tuition at state-supported institutions for classes attended on a noncredit basis. Schools may have limitations on the number of senior students who can receive this tuition benefit due to space availability. In addition to in-person classes, online courses are also offered.
27. Montana
The University of Montana offers a tuition waiver program for in-state residents aged 65 or older for undergraduate classes. It’s important to note that campus fees and registration fees are not waived under this program. Seniors can choose between online or in-person class formats.
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 nominal annual fee of $25, older Nebraskans can attend up to two classes per semester, subject to instructor permission and course availability. Classes under this program must be attended in person, as online options are not available.
29. Nevada
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers a tuition waiver for seniors aged 62 and up for courses taken during the autumn and spring semesters. For summer classes, seniors pay 50% of the standard tuition rate. It’s important to note that lab fees and other course-specific fees are not covered under this waiver. Online courses may be offered, but availability should be confirmed.
30. New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire provides residents aged 65 and older with free tuition for up to two credit-bearing classes per academic year. This benefit is offered on a space-available basis, provided the senior is not enrolled in a degree program. Courses are available in both online and in-person formats.
31. New Jersey
Rutgers University allows retired New Jersey residents aged 62 and older to audit courses without tuition fees during the spring and fall semesters. This opportunity is available at its Camden, New Brunswick, and Newark campuses, subject to space availability. Current guidelines specify that senior citizens can audit both in-person and online classes if they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
32. New Mexico
New Mexico offers significantly reduced tuition rates of just $5 per credit hour to state residents aged 65 and older. Online courses are included in this reduced tuition program.
Both for-credit classes and auditing options are available. Senior citizens can enroll in up to a maximum of 10 credit hours per semester under this program, which is offered on a space-available basis. Students are responsible for paying any additional course fees that may apply.
33. New York
New York State offers a variety of schools with free or reduced tuition for senior citizens. Queens College allows residents aged 60 and up to audit any course on a space-available basis. To participate, seniors need to complete a Senior Citizen Auditor Application and pay a modest fee of $80 per semester.
At SUNY Purchase, New York state residents aged 60 and older can enroll tuition-free in a maximum of two credit-bearing, on-campus courses, provided space is available. Participants are required to pay a $50 audit fee, a $25 ID processing fee, and any course-specific fees. Course formats include in-person, online, and hybrid options.
34. North Carolina
Tuition and registration fees are waived for residents aged 65 or older attending North Carolina community colleges. Senior citizens can take up to six credit hours per semester without charge. Audit options may be available at other schools throughout the state.
For example, at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, senior citizens can audit college courses for free on a space-available basis. Participation requires obtaining instructor permission and submitting an application. However, certain course types are excluded, including lab, studio, performance, distance education, independent study, internship, and special topic courses. Online courses are available for seniors who prefer remote learning.
35. North Dakota
Programs for senior citizens in North Dakota vary by institution. At Bismarck State, for instance, senior citizens aged 65 and older are eligible to audit one course per semester tuition-free, contingent on space availability. Students are still responsible for covering other applicable course fees. A selection of online courses is available at Bismarck State.
36. Ohio
Ohio residents aged 60 and older have the opportunity to attend classes at any state college without tuition fees. Senior citizen students under this program do not receive academic credit and can only register for courses on a space-available basis. They remain responsible for any special assessments, such as lab fees, that may apply.
Many Ohio state colleges offer online courses, in addition to traditional in-person and hybrid formats, providing flexible learning options for seniors.
37. Oklahoma
Oklahoma state colleges and universities waive both tuition and fees for senior citizens aged 65 and older who wish to audit classes. Enrollment is based on space availability within the courses.
38. Oregon
Oregon State University allows senior citizens aged 65 and older to audit college courses without tuition fees for up to a maximum of eight credit hours per semester. A non-degree enrollment application fee may apply.
The University of Oregon also waives tuition fees for seniors aged 65 and older who audit classes on a space-available basis.
The availability of online course options under these waivers depends on course offerings and space.
39. Pennsylvania
Clarion University offers a tuition waiver for residents aged 62 and up who wish to audit classes. At Bloomsburg University, the age requirement is slightly lower, with residents aged 60 and older eligible to take tuition-free classes on a space-available basis.
Community colleges in Pennsylvania may offer additional benefits. For example, Bucks County Community College waives tuition for for-credit courses for seniors aged 65 and up, provided they register after students paying full tuition have enrolled. A variety of course formats are offered, including online, in-person, and hybrid options.
40. Rhode Island
Tuition waivers can be requested by Rhode Island citizens over 60 at the Community College of Rhode Island. Course seats are granted based on availability.
Degree-seeking senior students are required to complete a FAFSA. They also need to submit a Senior Citizens Means Test to verify they meet limited income criteria for the waiver.
41. South Carolina
South Carolina residents aged 60 and above are eligible to attend college courses at state schools on either a credit or noncredit basis without tuition fees, contingent on course space availability. Admission to the school is required through the institution’s standard procedures.
Students are responsible for technology fees, lab fees, and other applicable fees. Many South Carolina community colleges offer online courses, providing flexible learning options.
42. South Dakota
Residents aged 65 and older in South Dakota can attend public universities at a reduced cost, with a 45% discount on tuition fees.
Interested seniors do not need to submit a formal application for this discount; it is automatically applied upon admission to the university. Student fees are not waived, and the tuition discount applies only to in-person classes.
43. Tennessee
The University of Tennessee offers a significantly reduced tuition rate for senior citizens, allowing them to enroll in undergraduate or graduate courses for just $7 per credit hour, with a maximum fee of $70 per semester.
Students are still responsible for paying application fees and course fees. Senior citizens have the choice between online courses and traditional in-person classes.
44. Texas
In Texas, senior citizens aged 65 and older can take up to six tuition-free credit hours at the University of Texas at Austin.
At the University of Texas at Dallas and Lone Star College, undergraduate students aged 65 and older must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (3.0 for graduate students) to be eligible for a tuition waiver for up to six credit hours per semester.
Seniors should check with each individual university to determine the availability of online and in-person classes under these tuition waiver programs.
45. Utah
Utah residents aged 62 and up are eligible for tuition-free enrollment at a state institution, provided there is space available in the courses. A quarterly registration fee is required.
For example, at the University of Utah, seniors can audit most classes on a space-available basis and are only required to pay a fee of $25 per semester, plus any special course fees. Seniors should contact the university to confirm whether online classes are included in this program.
46. Vermont
Vermont residents over the age of 65 can audit one class per semester tuition-free within the Vermont State College System, contingent on space availability. Seniors can enroll in additional classes at a 50% discount on the tuition rate, for both in-person and online courses.
Students are still responsible for paying administration fees and course-specific fees for all classes taken.
47. Virginia
Under the amended terms of the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974, Virginia residents over 60 years old who have a taxable income of less than $23,850 annually can audit up to three courses per term for free. This opportunity is offered on a space-available basis at any public institution in Virginia and includes both in-person and online courses.
48. Washington
Institutions in Washington State are mandated to partially or fully waive tuition fees for residents aged 60 or older who enroll for credit on a space-available basis. Nominal fees may apply to senior students who choose to audit courses.
Some schools may set limits on the number of classes or credits senior citizens can take under this waiver. For example, Washington State University caps the waiver at six credits for both the fall and spring semesters. Online programs are available under this waiver.
49. West Virginia
Senior citizens aged 65 and older at West Virginia University who are seeking college credit are required to use the regular admissions application form. Those wishing to enroll as non-degree students pay a nominal application fee of just $5. WVU offers courses in both online and in-person formats.
50. Wisconsin
Adults aged 60 and up can audit college courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus or through UW-Madison Online without tuition fees, subject to space availability in the courses.
51. Wyoming
At Laramie County Community College, senior citizens aged 60 and older benefit from a significantly reduced tuition rate, paying only 20% of the resident tuition rate per credit hour. However, students are still responsible for any other applicable course fees or online fees.
Northwest College offers an even more generous program, providing adults aged 60 and older with free tuition for up to six credit hours per semester for both on-site and online courses. Additionally, seniors receive free entry to most college social, cultural, and athletic events at Northwest College.
Exploring Another Path for Continuing Education
Beyond traditional degree programs, over 100 colleges and universities nationwide provide alternative continuing education through enrichment courses offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI).
The pricing structure for OLLI programs varies by institution. For example, Duke University has an annual membership fee of $60, with individual class fees ranging from $45 to $175. Senior citizens can choose to participate in classes online or in person through OLLI.
It’s important to note that OLLI classes do not count towards a formal degree. However, for seniors seeking personal enrichment and intellectual engagement within a community of older adults, OLLI courses offer valuable opportunities to learn, socialize, and enjoy the campus environment.
Contributor Catherine Hiles updated this post for 2023.
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