Best Lifelong Learning Resources for Seniors in Every State
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.
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.
Free college courses open to over 60s on a space-available basis. Free parking.
Senior adults don’t pay tuition, only fees, on a wide range of courses.
Offering free schooling to those 60 and older.
Offering free technical training to those over the age of 60.
Offering free community college programs to those 60 and older.
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.
Affiliated with the University of Alaska Anchorage, the program offers courses for those 50 and older for $200 annually.
Federally identified as the Senior Community Service Employment Program, it connects seniors with community service positions that offer job training.
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.
AZED offers comprehensive educational services to those 16 and older. This problem provides a way to earn a high school equivalency diploma.
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.
Coshise College offers a 50% reduction in tuition rates to all students (and residents) 60 and older.
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.
OLLI offers no-credit courses to those 50 and older for fees of $10 to $140 per semester or $350 annually.
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.
A nonprofit organization offering educational classes to adults of all ages.
Offering free tuition to students over the age of 60.
Offering free tuition to students 60 or older.
Free courses are offered at UA Little Rock for those 60 and older. Keep in mind that book costs and application fees are not covered.
Offering free tuition for those 60 and older as well as programs for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
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.
Tuition waivers are available to people who are 60 years of age or older.
Adult educational programs offer free support with adult literacy, English as a second language, career education and more.
Offering free courses with a membership. Scholarships for classes that do cost something are available.
Providing legal services, home, community services, education and job training for seniors.
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.
Offering lifelong learning options for those 55 and older based on space and availability in current classes.
Providing free tuition and waivers to those 55 and older who wish to return to the university to study.
The Metro Meritus program provides free courses to people ages 60 and older on a non-credit basis.
The University of Colorado offers non-degree student programs to area residents ages 60 and older.
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.
Hosted at the University of Connecticut in Hartford, this provides ongoing educational courses to adult learners.
Offering free courses with a yearly membership fee of only $20. Multi-session courses may be provided at $7 each.
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.
Offering intellectual, meaningful programs to adults in Connecticut.
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.
The Adult Plus program, now known as Encore, offers programs and services to those 50 and older.
Offering learning opportunities for those 50 and older with no examinations or prerequisites.
Florida
Those 60 and older may obtain a tuition waiver for any state university.
The Lifetime Learners Institute through the school offers non-credit, short-term educational sessions.
A nonprofit organization offering classes in the arts, current events, philosophy and more.
Offering inexpensive, or free, courses in different topics presented by experts in their fields.
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.
Offering free courses and entertainment for an annual membership of $145.
Providing professional education, lifelong learning and cultural exploration programs.
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.
Offering educational courses and events for adults over the age of 50. The programs are college-level programs with no credit.
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.
Offering courses with free tuition to those 60 and older.
This school offers free audit classes to those 65 and older.
Adult education courses through IDCTE are free and prepare people for college, getting a better job getting a GED or learning English.
Offering $5 per credit hour tuition rates with $20 or less for registration.
$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.
 The Retired Adult Program is membership-based but offers noncredit courses for people ages 55 and up. The one-year membership is just $25.
Offering courses in career training, languages, home and garden and more.
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.
Offering up to nine credit hours per semester to those 60 and older for only 50% of the in-state tuition rate.
Offering a waiver for 100% of the tuition rate for those 60 and older.
Offering a waiver for 100% of the cost of tuition of any course for retired students ages 60 and older.
The school allows free auditing of its courses for adult learners 60 and older.
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.
Offers adult education and literacy programs, the high school equivalency diploma program and other benefits.
Offering classes for as little as $16 to members of the program.
Online courses and support for English learners of all ages.
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.
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.
Offering adult education, preparation for GED testing and support building job skills to adults.
Offering tuition-free courses to Kansas residents ages 60 and older.
WSU offers tuition-free audited courses for those 60 and older.
Kentucky
All people 65 or older are able to go to state-sponsored schools tuition-free.
Offers free GED tests, academic courses and essential skills instruction for all KY adults.
Offers free adult education courses online and in-person, so that students may further their communication, reading and math skills.
Free adult education courses online and in-person to assist with communication skills, reading, math and more.
Free adult education courses available online or in-person for those wanting to improve their math, reading or communication skills.
Free adult education courses for people wanting to improve on their reading, math or communication skills.
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.
Offering university-affiliated programs to those 50 and older with a membership.
Offers adult education online with free courses to help adult students obtain their GEDs or to improve their career pathways.
Offering the 60 Plus Program that waives tuition for seniors who would like to earn a degree, audit courses or take on a new interest.
Maine
There is no state requirement for free tuition or education for older people in 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.
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.
Offering adult education courses for free in communities around the state.
ESL (English as a Second Language) courses for adults and jobseekers.
Offering free courses (minus the $85 registration fee per semester for some classes), academic courses, GED prep, and English language support through ESL courses.
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.
Offering educational programs online and in person for all people 50 and older.
Offering lifelong learning courses and support for those 55 and older who would like to learn about new subjects.
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.
Offering English as a second language courses, help with basic ready, writing and math, high school equivalency and workforce preparation.
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.
For students 60 and older, tuition rates may be waived for up to two courses per semester.
Seniors 60 and older receive a 75% discount on tuition rates at the university.
Seniors may get one class free of tuition fees per semester when they are 62 or older.
Minnesota
Minnesota does waive tuition for senior citizens who are at least 62 years old. There could be fees at universities and colleges, however.
Senior residents pay only $10 per credit at the University of Minnesota, but they may audit courses for free.
Students pay just $20 per credit hour to join courses when they’re 62 or older.
Mississippi
There is no single rule for the state, but several educational programs offer reduced-fee or free programs.
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.
Offers one four-hour course per semester for free to seniors ages 65 and older.
Missouri
State-supported institutions are required to offer tuition-free classes to those 65 and older on a non-credit basis.
Offering free tuition on undergraduate courses when entering at age 65 or older as a non-degree-seeking student.
Offering senior citizens 65 and older the ability to audit courses for a $15 fee with the Missouri Senior Scholarship.
Montana
There is no statewide option for seniors to go back to school at a reduced rate or for free.
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.
Adult basic educational courses for adults of all ages including basic literacy, computer literacy, ESL and more.
Nebraska
Nebraska has no legislation regarding adult learning, but many schools offer tuition-free educational programs for those 65 and older.
Offering two audit classes per semester for a $25 fee annually.
Offering two audit classes per semester for a $25 fee annually.
Students may audit one class for free per semester.
Students may audit one class per semester with no fee.
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.
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.
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.
Offering health and education resources to the elderly and their caregivers.
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.
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.
Free language learning, great courses and video-based immersive classes.
Those 65 and older who aren’t enrolled in a degree program may take two courses without paying tuition.
Offers two tuition-free courses per academic year to resident students 65 and older.
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.
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.
Rutgers offers free audited courses to those 62 and older.
Offers free audited courses to those 65 and older.
Offers free audited courses to those 65 and older and tuition waivers for those seeking a degree.
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.
Offering educational opportunities for learners who are 50 or older.
Senior citizen tuition waivers are available at a reduced rate of $5 per credit for those 65 or older.
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.
Residents of New Mexico who are 65 or older can take up to six credit hours at the reduced rate.
New York
Offering free audit courses at locations such as Stony Brook University and SUNY.
Offering free audit courses and tuition waivers at schools such as the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Kingsboro Community College.
Offers a tuition discount to all learners over the age of 65.
Offers tuition waivers for senior and lifelong learners who would like to take courses.
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.
The Lifelong Learning series offers free course audits to state residents who are at least 65 years old.
Offering credit and noncredit courses to adult learners through the Friday Center for Continuing Education.
The Adult Education department at GTCC offers free classes during the day, at night and online.
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.
Waivers are available to learners 65 and older who would like to attend school for credit.
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.
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.
With a $35 application fee, all other fees are waived at NDSU for adult learners and state residents who are 65 or older.
Offering adult education and GED support for free to those who need to obtain basic academic educational skills.
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.
Offering free college courses for those 60 and older, tuition-free.
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.
Offering continuing education for seniors, such as the New Horizons Music Program or Roads Scholar program.
Offers non-credit courses with a fee of $30 for an eight-week course.
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.
Offering waived tuition to senior students ages 65 and older.
Offering waived tuition to senior students ages 65 and older.
 Offering waived tuition to senior students ages 65 and older.
Offering waived tuition to senior students ages 65 and older.
Now available through the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, free lifelong learning programs are available.
Oregon
The state itself doesn’t require discounts, but schools in Oregon do provide reduced tuition to residents over the age of 65.
Offers waived tuition for up to eight credit hours per semester.
Offers waived tuition for those 65 and older.
Offers free courses to those 65 and older, up to eight credit hours per semester.
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.
Cal U offers tuition-free courses for residents 60 and older. Credits may be used toward a degree.
Offering residents ages 60 and older up to six free credits each semester at Pennsylvania State University.
At Clarion University, students 62 and older may audit classes with a tuition waiver.
At 60, students may take tuition-free classes as they become available.
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.
Those 60 and older may obtain a tuition waiver to attend class when space is available.
Offers a tuition waiver to those 60 and older who qualify with a means test.
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.
Offering inexpensive courses for adults at the University of South Carolina.
Offering courses of general interest to learners 50 and older with an annual membership or small course fees.
Offering general interest courses in technology and other subjects for adult learners.
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.
Offering free and inexpensive activities for seniors ages 55 and older.
Offering a visitor pass at a reduced cost for visitors who do not want to have the pressure of completing assignments, taking exams or working on projects.
For a $40 membership, members can access leadership opportunities, classroom resources, training, scholarships and more.
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).
Offering a senior services directory and information on learning opportunities for free or at reduced rates throughout Tennessee.
Offering inexpensive courses to senior students ages 50 and older at Vanderbilt.
Offering basic education for adults, digital literacy, useful skulls for work and other support for adult learners.
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.
Offering up to six tuition-free credit hours to residents 65 and older.
Offering up to six tuition-free credit hours to residents 65 and older.
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.
Senior citizens can enroll (at 62 or older) to audit regular courses for a $10 tuition fee.
Summer Citizens offers classes, educational travel tours and more to those 55 and older through the Utah State University.
With a nominal $25 fee, seniors may audit classes as they are available at the University of Utah. They must be 62 to qualify.
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.
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.
Offers seniors 65 and older the opportunity to attend the college for free.
Offering reduced cost courses through the University of Vermont for seniors 50 and older.
Free adult education and literacy programs for people 16 years of age and older.
Offering free services such as basic education in reading, writing, computer literacy, financial literacy, English and more.
Offering one free audited course per semester for students 65 and older.
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.
Offering credit classes to those 60 and older meeting state income guidelines or audit classes to legal residents 60 or older.
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.
Offering regional literacy and education programs to adults for free throughout the state.
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.
Offers six credits (waived of tuition fees) per semester. Students may attend in the fall or spring.
Offers $5 audit fees per course for learners ages 60 and older.
Offers audited courses at $5 per course.
$2.50 per class is the current rate for students 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.
Offering non-credit courses, lectures, field trips and events to older adults.
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.
Offering free audit courses to state residents who are 60 or older. They may attend any of the 13 universities across 26 campuses.
Offering support for ongoing education for the elderly and lifetime learners in the state.
Wyoming
Wyoming schools may offer free or reduced tuition at the university level.
Offers help locating services in education, employment housing and more.
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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