The idea of college might conjure up images of fresh-faced 18-year-olds, but the truth is, learning has no age limit. In fact, senior citizens are increasingly finding their way back to the classroom, eager to expand their knowledge, pursue new interests, and stay mentally stimulated. Fortunately, there are numerous opportunities for senior citizens to access free or reduced-cost college classes, making quality lifelong learning more accessible than ever before.
Benefits of School at an Older Age
The benefits of senior citizens attending college extend far beyond simply acquiring new knowledge. Studies[1], [2] have shown that adults with an active lifestyle can improve cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health. Additionally, it can combat social isolation, provide a sense of purpose, and even lead to new career opportunities.
For some senior citizen, returning to college is a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream that was put on hold earlier in life. Others may be motivated by a desire to stay up to date with the latest trends and technology. Whatever the reason, the benefits of lifelong learning for seniors are undeniable.
Free and Reduced-Cost Options
The good news is that there are a variety of ways for seniors to access free or reduced-cost college classes. Here are some of the most common options:
Senior Citizen Tuition Exemption Programs: Many states offer tuition exemption programs for residents 60 or older who want to take classes at public colleges and universities. These programs typically allow seniors to audit courses (attend without receiving credit) or enroll for credit at a significantly reduced rate.
Senior Citizen Auditors Programs: Many colleges and universities have auditor programs specifically for seniors. Auditors typically pay a nominal fee to attend classes and participate in discussions, but they do not receive credit for their coursework.
Examples:
Harvard University: The Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement offers non-credit courses for seniors on a variety of topics, with an annual membership fee. See: hilr.dce.harvard.edu
Stanford University: The Stanford Alumni University offers non-credit courses for seniors on a variety of topics, with individual course fees. See: alumni.stanford.edu
Online Courses: The rise of online learning has made it easier than ever for senior citizens to take college courses from the comfort of their own homes. Many colleges and universities offer online courses specifically for seniors, covering a wide range of topics.
Examples:
Coursera: Coursera partners with more than 275 leading universities and companies to bring flexible, affordable, job-relevant online learning to individuals and organizations worldwide. See: www.coursera.org
Udemy: Udemy offers a vast library of online courses on a variety of topics, many of which are suitable for seniors and can be accessed at discounted rates. See: www.udemy.com
edX: edX offers online courses from top universities around the world, including courses specifically designed for seniors. See: edx.org
Community Education Programs: Community colleges and adult education centers often offer non-credit courses for seniors on a variety of topics, such as art, history, technology, and fitness. These courses are typically very affordable and provide a great way to learn new skills and meet new people.
Examples:
City Colleges of Chicago: The City Colleges of Chicago offer a variety of non-credit courses for seniors through their Center for Continuing Education. See: www.ccc.edu
Los Angeles Community College District: The Los Angeles Community College District offers a variety of non-credit courses for seniors through its Emeritus College program. See: www.unitela.com
Scholarships and Grants: There are a number of scholarships and grants available specifically for senior citizens who want to attend college. These can be a great way to offset the cost of tuition and fees.
Finding the Right Program
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some tips for finding the right college program for you:
Think about your goals: Do you want to earn a degree? Do you simply want to learn for the fun of it? Once you know your goals, you can narrow down your options.
Consider your interests: What are you passionate about? What do you want to learn more about? Choose a program that aligns with your interests.
Contact your local colleges and universities: Most colleges and universities have a dedicated office for senior citizens. This office can provide you with information about available programs, application procedures, and financial aid options.
Talk to other seniors: If you know other senior citizens who have taken college classes, ask them for recommendations. They can provide you with valuable insights into their experiences.
Options in every state: Free (or Cheap) College for Retirees in All 50 States
Making the Most of Your College Experience
Once you've enrolled in a college program, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your experience:
Get involved: Don't be afraid to participate in class discussions and ask questions. Get to know your classmates and professors.
Take advantage of campus resources: Most colleges and universities offer a variety of resources for seniors, such as tutoring centers, computer labs, and libraries.
Stay connected: Many colleges and universities have clubs and organizations specifically for senior citizens. Joining a club is a great way to meet new people and make friends.
Returning to college as a senior citizen can be a daunting prospect, but it's also an incredibly rewarding experience. With so many free and reduced-cost options available, there's no reason why anyone should be denied the opportunity to continue learning and growing throughout their lives. So, if you're a senior citizen considering going back to college, don't hesitate! Take the leap, embrace the challenge, and enjoy the journey.
Have fun! Remember, you're in college to learn and enjoy yourself. Don't put too much pressure on yourself.
[1] National institute of Aging , “Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age”,
[2] MIYA NARUSHIMA, JIAN LIU, and NAOMI DIESTELKAMP, "Lifelong learning in active ageing discourse: its conserving effect on wellbeing, health and vulnerability", https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5848758/