Best Lifelong Learning Resources for Seniors in Every State

  • iReviews
  • November 08,2021

Did you know that around 20% of all American workers have low basic skills? In around 75% of cases, those who are unemployed struggle with reading or writing. For this reason, it’s important that seniors have access to learning options to improve their own education and their families’ access to education in the future.

Seniors face all kinds of problems ranging from never completing high school to not understanding current-day technology. There are plenty of options for seniors who want to complete high school, learn more about technology or go to college or university for free (or at a reduced rate) in the future.

Best Lifelong Learning Resources for Seniors in Every State

Countrywide Senior Education Resources

There are many programs around the United States that accept learners from any state. These countrywide resources can get you started on finding a new learning opportunity.

  • Area Agency on Aging – AAA offers training and educational opportunities to help seniors remain active in their communities.
  • Oasis Lifelong Adventure – Oasis Lifelong Adventure is an organization that provides lifelong learning, volunteering and health education. Virtual classes are available at affordable rates.
  • Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) – OATS crafts programs that meet the needs of seniors who need to learn to use current-day technology.
  • Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – A nonprofit offering post-secondary scholarships for those 50 and older to attend one of 120 colleges or universities around the country.
  • United Way – Offering opportunities for seniors to volunteer and build new skills.

Best Courses for Seniors

Many of the free or reduced-price courses available are at local colleges and universities. Here are some of the best lifelong learning resources for seniors in each state.

 

Alabama

When you are 60 or older, you can get free tuition at two-year post-secondary institutions in Alabama. There are available programs at colleges all around the state.

 

Alaska

The senior citizen tuition waiver is available system-wide at the University of Alaska for all eligible Alaskans receiving Social Security benefits from the government. Waivers cover tuition but not course fees.

Arizona

Arizona doesn’t expressly offer free educational programs to seniors, but many of the colleges and programs offered are inexpensive thanks to colleges accepting reduced tuition.

  • Arizona Adult Education Services

    Federally identified as the Senior Community Service Employment Program, it connects seniors with community service positions that offer job training.

  • Arizona Center of Aging

    The ACOA is located at the University of Arizona and offers programs in education, training, clinical care and research. It hosts an Advances in Aging Lecture Series.

  • Cochise College

    Coshise College offers a 50% reduction in tuition rates to all students (and residents) 60 and older.

  • Maricopa Community College

    Maricopa Community College believes in lifelong learning and offers classes at 50% of the full tuition cost to students 65 years of age or older.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, all state-supported educational institutes do have to waive tuition for students who are 60 years of age or older. You can attend any state-funded school to attend classes, but you will need to contact the school’s financial aid office.

  • LifeQuest

    A nonprofit organization offering educational classes to adults of all ages.

California

If you are at least 60 years old, you can attend classes without having to pay tuition at any of the 23 California State University Campuses. A waiver is available for health services, applications and related activities. Additionally, the student body services and health and body center are just $1.

Colorado

In Colorado, you must be 55 to qualify for any reduced or free tuition programs. There is no state requirement to offer free education to the elderly.

  • Colorado State University

    Offering lifelong learning options for those 55 and older based on space and availability in current classes.

  • University of Northern Colorado

    Elderly citizens ages 65 and older may audit a course with no tuition charge, though some course fees may apply for supplies, books or other necessary items.

Connecticut

Once you reach 62, you can go to any state college for free in Connecticut. This allows you to audit classes or pursue a degree.

  • Adult Learning Program

    Hosted at the University of Connecticut in Hartford, this provides ongoing educational courses to adult learners.

  • LiR at QVCC

    Offering free courses with a yearly membership fee of only $20. Multi-session courses may be provided at $7 each.

  • The Bigelow Center for Senior Activities

    Though not always free, courses are inexpensive through the Bigelow Center. Tuition is a low $20 per course with a $15 registration fee. There are over 30 lectures, TED Talks, Trips and more through the program.

Delaware

Delaware requires universities to waive tuition on classes for state residents 60 and up. Application and course fees, as well as other related fees, may also be waived if you’re an official degree candidate.

Florida

Those 60 and older may obtain a tuition waiver for any state university.

Georgia

The state does not require schools to provide free tuition or education over a certain age, but the University System of Georgia does sponsor a program for residents who are 62 or older to attend any of the state’s colleges with no tuition or related fees. This does not include for medical, veterinarian, law or dental school.

  • ELM

    Enrichment of Life Movement is a nonprofit program offering programs to those 50 and older who would like to try something new, go to in-person courses or go online to study.

Hawaii

Hawaii doesn’t specifically grant free tuition to those over the age of 60, but many schools participate in the Na Kupuna program that allows residents 60 or older to audit classes without fees.

  • Kapuna Education Center

    An aging and long-term care initiative aimed at providing education and training to the older population.

Idaho

The Adult Learner Program in Idaho applies to those 65 and older and reduces the cost of tuition and other fees for educational courses. Some of these rates apply for those 60 and older in certain school groups.

  • University of Idaho

    $5 per credit hour for the adult learner program, plus $20 in registration fees.

Illinois

Illinois lets low-income residents ages 65 and older go to school tuition-free. Any state college is fair game, but your income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

  • McHenry County College

    The Retired Adult Program is membership-based but offers noncredit courses for people ages 55 and up. The one-year membership is just $25.

Indiana

The state of Indiana requires all public colleges to offer at least 50% off in-state tuition for up to nine credit hours per semester when students are 60 or older.

  • Indiana University

    Offering up to nine credit hours per semester to those 60 and older for only 50% of the in-state tuition rate.

  • Ivy Tech Community College

    Offering a waiver for 100% of the cost of tuition of any course for retired students ages 60 and older.

  • University of Indianapolis

    Retired state residents ages 65 and older may pay a $20 application fee and join the Lifelong Learning College for tuition-free enrollment.

Iowa

There is no state requirement to get free tuition in Iowa, but several schools offer unique programs and opportunities.

  • Educate Iowa

    Offers adult education and literacy programs, the high school equivalency diploma program and other benefits.

  • Simpson College

    Offering students ages 65 and older to take a single non credit course for free each semester.

Kansas

In Kansas, those 60 or older are able to audit courses without paying fees or tuition.

  • City of Lawrence, Kansas

    The City of Lawrence offers the Lifelong Recreation program for those 50 and older. Classes include nature and outdoors, fitness, sports, personal training and recreation instruction.

Kentucky

All people 65 or older are able to go to state-sponsored schools tuition-free.

  • Kentucky Skills U

    Offers free GED tests, academic courses and essential skills instruction for all KY adults.

Louisiana

People 55 and older may go to any public university or college in Louisiana without paying registration or tuition fees. They also get 50% off books and supplies at the schools’ bookstores.

Maine

There is no state requirement for free tuition or education for older people in Maine.

  • OLLI at The University of Southern Maine

    Offering a variety of senior college courses in the Maine Senior College Network. No tests, no grades and no papers are due in these courses. Fees range from $25 to $35 for an annual membership.

  • University of Maine

    Offering undergraduate program courses to adult students ages 65 and older for free when audited.

Maryland

Anyone 60 or older can waive tuition for up to three graduate or undergraduate courses annually when attending the University of Maryland System of schools. Students must be retired and not working full-time.

  • Prince Georges Community College

    Offering free courses (minus the $85 registration fee per semester for some classes), academic courses, GED prep, and English language support through ESL courses.

  • The University of Maryland System

    Free, tuition-waved courses for those over the age of 60 and retired looking to complete degree-granting programs or audited classes.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers students 60 and older a tuition waiver for any public college in the state. They must register for at least three credits in each semester.

  • Springfield College

    Offering lifelong learning courses and support for those 55 and older who would like to learn about new subjects.

  • University of Massachusetts

    UMass offers tuition waivers for those 60 and older to obtain credit for a course. Online courses are not included.

Michigan

The state does not require schools to offer free tuition, but there are many that do in Michigan. The state does, however, offer free adult education programs to help people with high school equivalency and workforce preparation.

  • Adult Education Program

    Offering English as a second language courses, help with basic ready, writing and math, high school equivalency and workforce preparation.

  • Michigan Reconnect

    This program is available to those 25 and older who don’t yet have a college degree. It is a scholarship program that will cover in-district community college tuition free.

  • Michigan Tech

    For students 60 and older, tuition rates may be waived for up to two courses per semester.

Minnesota

Minnesota does waive tuition for senior citizens who are at least 62 years old. There could be fees at universities and colleges, however.

  • University of Minnesota

    Senior residents pay only $10 per credit at the University of Minnesota, but they may audit courses for free.

Mississippi

There is no single rule for the state, but several educational programs offer reduced-fee or free programs.

  • Mississippi State University

    Offers a waiver to residents 60 and older. Seniors may take up to six semester hours per semester or up to 18 credit hours a year.

Missouri

State-supported institutions are required to offer tuition-free classes to those 65 and older on a non-credit basis.

Montana

There is no statewide option for seniors to go back to school at a reduced rate or for free.

  • Montana University System

    The Montana University System offers waived tuition rates for residents of the state who are 65 or older. The school doesn’t waive registration or campus fees.

Nebraska

Nebraska has no legislation regarding adult learning, but many schools offer tuition-free educational programs for those 65 and older.

  • Senior Employment Program

    Available through the state, the Senior Community Service Employment Program offers part-time, paid training opportunities.

Nevada

There is no specific state requirement to offer free education to those 60 and older in Nevada.

  • Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

    The adult learning program offers free educational courses to those 16 and older, such as support getting a high school diploma or learning English as a second language.

  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, offers tuition-free options at its campus for people 62 and older. Summer courses are offered at 50% off the tuition rate.

  • Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

    The University of Nevada hosts the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at its facility. Membership is $175 annually or $90 in the fall/winter semesters. The summer semester is just $40.

  • Nevada Learning Academy

    Free adult education classes held in Clark Country for adults looking to improve their English, earn a high school diploma or earn other certificates.

New Hampshire

There is no requirement to offer free education in New Hampshire to seniors. However, many free and inexpensive programs are available.

  • Granite State College

    Those 65 and older who aren’t enrolled in a degree program may take two courses without paying tuition.

  • Bureau of Adult Education

    Offering free educational services to adults who do not yet have a high school diploma or the equivalent academic skills. English language courses are also offered.

  • Rivier University

    For a $50 membership fee, seniors may take free courses when they are 55 or older. This is available as a part of the Road Scholar Institute Network.

New Jersey

At the university level, the state has no law requiring free tuition or reduced rates for seniors, but many schools do offer them.

New Mexico

Public colleges in the state are required to offer low-cost tuition to residents who are 65 by the third Friday of the semester’s classes. The fee is required to be set at just $5 per credit for up to 10 hours per semester.

  • Dona Ana Community College

    Senior citizen tuition waivers are available at a reduced rate of $5 per credit for those 65 or older.

  • DACC non-credit courses through Ed2Go

    Online courses available to use at home. Some are free or inexpensive, while others are costly, so it is important to check each course’s fees.

New York

New York requires that schools in receipt of state funding allow those 60 plus to enrol if there is space in the class. Reduced fees may be applicable depending on the course.

  • City University of New York

    Offering free audit courses and tuition waivers at schools such as the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Kingsboro Community College.

North Carolina

Though the state doesn’t have set requirements, seniors may be able to attend some community colleges and universities for free in North Carolina.

North Dakota

The state has no rules regarding reduced or free tuition for adults. However, some colleges do offer waived tuition and tuition-free audits.

  • Bismarck State College

    Waivers are available to learners 65 and older who would like to attend school for credit.

  • Dickinson State University

    Waivers for tuition are available for seniors who are 65 or older. No academic credit is available, and students cannot audit laboratory or online courses.

  • Minot State University

    Those 65 and older may audit university courses tuition free at Minot State University. There is a one-time $35 application fee. No credit is available for audited courses.

  • North Dakota State University

    With a $35 application fee, all other fees are waived at NDSU for adult learners and state residents who are 65 or older.

Ohio

Those 60 and older may audit courses in Ohio for free at any state college or university. Lab fees and other course-specific fees may still apply.

  • Sixty Plus Program, Ohio University

    Offering no-credit and for-credit options for students 60 and older. Students can get credit for free if they have an income that is 200% of the federal poverty guideline.

  • University of Dayton

    Offering continuing education for seniors, such as the New Horizons Music Program or Roads Scholar program.

  • Sinclair College

    Offers non-credit courses with a fee of $30 for an eight-week course.

  • Department of Aging

    The Cleveland Department of Aging provides resources for seniors in Ohio who would like to continue their education in technology, home repair and more.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma authorizes all state colleges to provide free tuition and fees to those who are at least 65.

Oregon

The state itself doesn’t require discounts, but schools in Oregon do provide reduced tuition to residents over the age of 65.

  • University of Oregon

    Offers waived tuition for those 65 and older (up to eight credit hours per semester).

Pennsylvania

While there is no state requirement, many schools do offer tuition-free courses for older residents.

  • Go-60 Program

    Offering residents ages 60 and older up to six free credits each semester at Pennsylvania State University.

  • Clarion University

    At Clarion University, students 62 and older may audit classes with a tuition waiver.

  • Bloomsburg University

    Offers a tuition waiver for seniors 65 and older, but seniors must wait to register until other paying students have scheduled the course.

  • Bucks County Community College

    Offers a tuition waiver for seniors 65 and older, but seniors must wait to register until other paying students have scheduled the course.

Rhode Island

By meeting a means test, those 60 and older may qualify for a tuition waiver in Rhode Island.

  • University of Rhode Island

    Offers tuition waivers to those 60 and older if they qualify based on set income limits. A FAFSA is required.

South Carolina

South Carolina requires schools to provide free education, with or without credit, to all residents ages 60 or older.

South Dakota

There is no law requiring free education for older residents in South Dakota. There is a requirement for a 45% reduction on tuition rates for all resident students who are 65 or older.

Tennessee

At the age of 60, adults can audit classes at state colleges or universities for free. At age 65, students may obtain credit for those classes (but at a potential cost of up to $70 per semester or $45 per quarter).

  • Office on Aging

    Offering a senior services directory and information on learning opportunities for free or at reduced rates throughout Tennessee.

  • Tennessee Reconnect

    Helping adults return to school to finish a degree, supporting veterans and service members and more.

Texas

Texas colleges don’t necessarily have to reduce their rates for retirees, but many do.

  • Lone Star College

    As long as they maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, the school offers up to six credit hours free per semester to those 65 and older.

Utah

Residents of Utah who are 62 or older can take classes at any university or college in Utah (public only) for free, minus a quarterly fee for registering.

  • Summer Citizens

    Summer Citizens offers classes, educational travel tours and more to those 55 and older through the Utah State University.

  • University of Utah

    With a nominal $25 fee, seniors may audit classes as they are available at the University of Utah. They must be 62 to qualify.

  • Utah State Board of Education

    Offering adult education support for those interested in learning basic reading, writing and mathematics. English as a second language and English language acquisition are also available.

  • Utah Valley University

    Offering low-cost educational opportunities for those 62 and older. It’s just $20 per semester plus class fees.

Vermont

Vermont doesn’t have specific rules for free or reduced education for those 60 or older, but some of its institutions do provide reasonable rates.

  • Vermont Adult Learning

    Offering free services such as basic education in reading, writing, computer literacy, financial literacy, English and more.

Virginia

Those 60 or older may audit up to three courses per term in Virginia without having to pay a fee. They may attend state or university colleges. In the case that a person earns $23,850 or less annually, it’s possible to go to school tuition free full-time.

  • Tyler

    Offering credit classes to those 60 and older meeting state income guidelines or audit classes to legal residents 60 or older.

  • Virginia Commonwealth University

    Offering tuition waivers to any senior citizens who meet the state income requirements for credit and not for credit if their income is higher than $23,850.

Washington

The state doesn’t have specific rules for providing free education to adults, but schools in Washington are required to offer reduced or waived tuition fees for those residents who are 60 or older.

  • Bellevue College

    Offers $5 audit fees per course for learners ages 60 and older.

West Virginia

The state requires that all public colleges and universities offer programs at a reduced cost for those 65 and older. Auditees pay a maximum of $50 per course for tuition and fees. To get credit, the maximum fee is half the in-state rate.

  • Shepherd University

    Offering lifelong learning opportunities through its Lifelong Learning program. There is an $85 membership that covers brown bag lunch lectures, tours and events.

Wisconsin

The state does not require schools to provide free tuition to retirees or older adults.

  • The University of Wisconsin

    Offering free audit courses to state residents who are 60 or older. They may attend any of the 13 universities across 26 campuses.

Wyoming

Wyoming schools may offer free or reduced tuition at the university level.

  • Northwest College

    Offering the Golden Age program for Park County residents over 60 to return to school for up to six credit hours per semester tuition-free.

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