Were living longer than ever before, and doing so in better health.
For many, the answer is to go back to school.
But tuition can be prohibitively expensive.
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At the same time, schools want their classrooms to be full of engaged students, regardless of age.
In fact, we found at least one option in every state.
Does your state have a senior citizen education program you’ve got the option to use?
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you might easily return later.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Some Alabama schools, likeCoastal Alabama Community College, offer online courses if you prefer virtual options.
Alaska
TheUniversity of Alaskawaives tuition for senior-citizen residents who receive full Social Security benefits.
Online college courses for senior citizens may be included if offered; check with the admissions office for confirmation.
you’re free to register for in-person, online or hybrid classes.
Student fees may apply, and senior citizens may register only for college courses with space available.
If you need online courses, check with your chosen college to see what options you have.
Different Cal State locations may offer online courses or in-person classes.
Colorado
Students age 55 and older may attend class on a space-available basis atColorado State University.
There is no tuition fee, but visitors dont get credit for attending class.
It is up to the instructor how participation and grading of assignments and tests are handled.
CSU currently offers face-to-face, hybrid and online classes.
Connecticut
Residents 62 and up may attendstate colleges, including community colleges, for free on a space-available basis.
Online courses are included.
Senior students may also take noncredit courses on a space-available basis and have tuition waived.
All students must still pay all other fees.
At theUniversity of Delaware, students wishing to use the program must apply for admission on a space-available basis.
Some graduate degrees may be eligible, as well.
Residents can register for online or in-person courses.
Participants must pay all related student fees and buy their own textbooks.
District of Columbia
Senior citizens 65 and up may audit undergraduate college courses fromGeorgetown Universitys School of Continuing Studies.
To audit a course, there must be available space and the instructor of record must approve the enrollment.
Admission is granted on a space-available basis.
Check to see whether your chosen college covers online courses as well as in-person ones.
Fun fact:Florida Atlantic Universitys Lifelong Learning Societyhas the largest adult continuing education program in the U.S.
It even has its own auditorium on campus to help serve FAUs 30,000 new registrants each year.
Many general education courses are offered online.
Schools will not award credit nor will they keep permanent records of students class history.
Idaho
Programs in Idaho vary based on institution, but some schools offer good deals.
The college has online and in-person courses.
BSU offers online courses as well as in-person ones.
Lab, student and other fees still apply.
Each institution will have guidance on registering for online or in-person classes.
Courses are in person.
Courses are open on a space-available basis and do not include lab courses.
Online courses may be available.
Kansas
Kansas residents60 and oldercan audit courses at state institutions on a space-available basis without paying tuition.
They may also take courses for credit for $230 per credit.
Online or in-person courses may be offered.
Kentucky
Tuition and fees are waived forstudents age 65 and oldertaking classes on a space-available basis.
Residents must be admitted to a state-supported school to take advantage of this discount.
Each school can also provide info on in-person versus online courses.
Check with each school to see if online courses are included.
Online courses are available as well as face-to-face offerings.
Each location has information on what online courses are offered.
Michigan
Opportunities for seniors in Michigan vary by institution.
Courses must be on campus, and seniors must apply through the admissions office.
Wayne State offers some online courses.
Minnesota
Minnesotawaives tuitionfor senior citizens 62 and older, but fees and online options may vary by school.
MSU offers online courses as well as traditional in-person ones.
Schools may limit the number of students who receive the tuition benefit based on space availability.
Online classes are offered in addition to in-person ones.
Montana
TheUniversity of Montanaoffers a tuition waiver for in-state residents 65 or older for undergraduate classes.
Campus and registration fees are not waived.
Choose from online or in-person classes.
They pay 50% tuition for summer classes.
Lab and other course fees are not covered.
Online courses may be offered.
Courses are offered online or in person.
Current guidelines allow senior citizens to audit in-person or online classes if they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
New Mexico
New Mexico offersreduced tuitionof just $5 per credit hour to state residents 65 and older.
Online courses are available.
The program is offered on a space-available basis, and students are responsible for paying any additional course fees.
They pay a $50 audit fee, $25 ID processing fee and any course fees.
In-person, online and hybrid courses are available.
North Carolina
Tuition and registration fees are waived for residents 65 or older attendingNorth Carolina community colleges.
Senior citizens can take up to six credit hours per semester for free.
Audit options may be available at other schools.
Lab, studio, performance, distance education, independent study, internship and special topic courses are excluded.
Online courses are available for those who prefer them.
North Dakota
Programs vary by institution in North Dakota.
Theyre still responsible for other course fees.
Some online courses are available.
Ohio
Ohio residentsat least 60 years old may attend class at any state college for free.
Senior-citizen students do not receive credit and can register only on a space-available basis.
They are still responsible for special assessments, such as lab fees, that may apply.
Many Ohio state colleges offer online courses, as well as in-person and hybrid.
The University of Oregonalso waives fees for seniors 65 and older auditing classes on a space-available basis.
Online course options may be offered depending on availability.
Pennsylvania
Clarion Universityoffers a tuition waiver for residents 62 and up to audit classes.
AtBloomsburg University, it’s crucial that you be only 60 to take tuition-free classes on a space-available basis.
Many courses are offered online, though some in-person and hybrid options are available.
Rhode Island
Tuition waivers can be requested from citizens over 60 at theCommunity College of Rhode Island.
Seats are granted when there is space available.
All degree-seeking senior students must fill out aFAFSA.
They also have to submit a Senior Citizens Means Test to verify they have limited income.
The school must grant admission via its normal procedures.
Technology, lab and other fees are the responsibility of the student.
Many South Carolina community colleges offer online courses for those interested.
South Dakota
Residents 65 and older can attend public universities inSouth Dakotaat a reduction of cost of 45%.
Student fees are not waived, and the discount only applies to in-person classes.
Students will still pay program and course fees.
Senior citizens can choose between online courses and in-person ones.
Check with each individual university to see which online and in-person classes are available for enrollment.
Call to see whether online classes are included.
Theyll still have to pay administration and course fees for all classes.
Nominal fees may apply to students auditing courses.
Online programs are available.
West Virginia
Senior citizens 65 and older atWest Virginia Universityseeking college credit must use the regular admissions form.
Those wishing to be non-degree students pay just $5 to apply.
WVU offers classes online or in person.
Senior citizens can choose to take classes online or in person.
Contributor Catherine Hiles updated this post for 2023.
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