Higher education can be beneficial for people of all ages, and attending free college after 50 could be a life-changing opportunity.
Some senior citizens return to college because they want to socialize, explore new subjects, and develop different interests. Others hope to change careers or seek a leadership position with their employer.
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No matter your reason, returning to college after years or decades away from the classroom can be intimidating but exciting. The cost of a degree doesn’t have to prevent you from pursuing your dreams.
Free College After 50
Colleges with free degrees for seniors over 50 may offer tuition waivers, allowing you to take a class without paying any upfront fees except the price of materials. These free classes for senior citizens may have space limitations and require permission from the course instructor.
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Course auditing is another way to take university-level courses. You can attend lectures without completing homework or exams, but in most cases you won’t receive college credit. Many community colleges also provide free continuing education courses for older adults.
Accreditation of Universities with Free Tuition for Seniors
When you decide to go back to school, it’s beneficial to attend an accredited institution. Schools with regional accreditation have met a high bar for academic excellence, which helps ensure you get the most value from your experience.
Regionally accredited colleges undergo an extensive evaluation of their curriculum and faculty. For this reason, many employers give preference to job candidates with degrees from accredited institutions. It’s worth noting that there are accredited colleges that offer free tuition for low income families, making quality education accessible to a wider range of students.
Attending a program from a school with regional accreditation is also essential if you decide to transfer to a new school or pursue an advanced degree, as it’s typically easier to transfer your credits.
Best Colleges With Free Tuition for People Over 50
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Bismarck State College allows seniors to continue their education through its OLLI program. The school offers humanities courses. Students do not take tests, receive grades, or earn credits. Many courses are online and available on demand. Students may be eligible for travel or teaching opportunities. Classes are offered in computers and technology, money matters, creative arts, healthy living, and more.
Bismarck State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Bunker Hill Community College offers free tuition to pursue an associate degree or certificate through the TFCC fund. Students may be eligible for up to 3 years of college. There are no age requirements, and applicants must be Boston residents. Funds are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
BHCC is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Students who are 60 years and older may be eligible for free tuition and other fee waivers through California State University. Students must be California residents, and classes must be state supported. The program allows students to seek a bachelor’s degree. Courses follow a semester schedule. Online programs are offered in social work, civil engineering, and more.
CSU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
The Georgia Institute of Technology offers a program for students over 62 to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree. Students may also take courses without seeking a degree. Courses may be taken fully online or in a hybrid format. Most courses are asynchronous. Fields of study offered include industrial engineering, operations research, and medical physics.
Georgia Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Students over 50 may be able to continue their education through Houston Community College’s Community Learning Program. Most programs are free or have a low fee. Programs are available online or on campus. Courses cover topics like foreign languages, computer skills, and consumer education. Some courses last several weeks, while others are mini sessions.
Houston Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Ohio State University offers free courses and programs for seniors over the age of 60. There may be book and materials fees. Students must be Ohio residents and do not earn credit. Courses are offered in full terms and 7 week half-terms. Online courses are offered in fields like learning technologies and art education.
Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
New Jersey residents who are 62 or older may be able to take tuition-free courses through Rutgers University. Students audit courses and do not earn credit. They must sign up for courses after university students have registered. Fully online courses may be taken in a variety of fields, including business, data science, and communication.
Rutgers is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Arkansas offers bachelor’s and master’s programs for senior citizens over 60. Students may be eligible for free tuition and can take courses with available space. Courses may be taken for credit. The courses are online and follow a semester schedule. There are three start dates each year. Fields of study offered include Spanish and agriculture and food law.
The U of A is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Georgia residents who are over the age of 62 may be eligible to take tuition-free courses at the University of Georgia. Students do not pay additional fees. They must choose from courses with available space. Undergraduate or graduate courses may be taken. Online fields of study offered include screenwriting and special education.
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Maine – Augusta offers a Senior College program for students over the age of 50. Students may join the program for a low fee. The program does not lead to a degree but is intended as part of a lifelong learning program. Programs are typically 8 weeks long, with two-hour weekly classes.
The University of Maine – Augusta is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Attending College After 50 Online
Going to college after 50 can enhance your current skills, introduce you to changing technologies, and prepare you for the next stage of your career.
As you consider which school to attend, you can search for ones that offer special programs for older students, including cheap online colleges and online colleges with low monthly payments that provide affordable education options. You might have the chance to enroll in a completely free college for seniors over 60 or to combine discounts and scholarships to attend a university program without spending a dollar on tuition.
If you’re ready to get back to class, you can begin your journey today by researching accredited colleges and universities that offer free online college degrees for senior citizens.
