9 Colleges That Offer Free Tuition for Seniors

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Senior college graduate holding degree or diploma wearing a graduation cap and gown
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Seniors enjoy discounts for just about everything. Did you know that can even include the cost of higher education?

Some schools think it’s a smart idea. Whether through a state-supported program or school-based initiatives, there are plenty of opportunities to learn — and earn credit toward a degree — without the burden of crippling student loans.

The following colleges currently offer tuition-free, credit-bearing courses for students in their golden years. Admission to classes is likely to depend on whether space is available. Consider this your chance to advance a career, change direction or finish a degree you started many moons ago.

1. University of Alaska

University of Alaska Fairbanks
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Not everyone wants to retire to Florida. Those who prefer spending their post-career years in a colder climate might want to consider the Last Frontier State.

At the University of Alaska, which comprises three universities on a system of campuses across the state, residents who are age 65 or older by the first day of class are entitled to free tuition. Admission to classes is granted on a “space available” basis, and course fees and surcharges are not covered.

See the rules here (look for “Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver”), in the university’s academic catalog.

Earning college credit has never been cooler.

2. University of Arkansas

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The University of Arkansas offers its local silver foxes the opportunity to become “Senior Razorbacks.” (The razorback, the university mascot, is a feral hog known for its “tenacious, wild fighting ability.”)

To gain tuition-free access to classes on a space-available basis, you must:

  • Be a resident of Arkansas
  • Be at least 60 years of age by the last day of normal registration for the term
  • Hold a high school diploma or GED
  • Be admitted to the University of Arkansas

Full rules and procedures, including eligibility and for making an application, are explained on the Undergraduate Senior Citizen Admissions page. (There is a separate page for senior graduate studies.)

Note that some fees and costs are not waived or covered. Some examples: textbooks, class supplies, specific program fees and online administrative fees.

Even when tuition is free, there are things that older college students should consider. Read “5 Things to Weigh Before Going Back to School After Age 50.”

3. Clemson University

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Clemson University waives tuition costs for qualifying seniors.

If you are at least 60 years old and a resident of South Carolina, you are eligible for Senior Citizen Enrollment at the university where space is available.

You can either audit classes or enroll for credit. The best part is, there’s no limit to the number of credit hours you can take.

4. University of Connecticut

A senior black man poses for a photo at his college graduation
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State law requires the University of Connecticut and other state institutions of higher education to waive tuition costs for older students. To be eligible, you must be a resident of the state, accepted to the university and 62 years of age before starting classes.

Eligible students must be enrolled in a degree-granting program. Or, seniors not in degree programs may take classes where space is available, after paying students are enrolled. You cannot receive a tuition waiver for many graduate certificate programs. The tuition waiver applies only for fall and spring semesters and it covers only the cost of tuition.

5. University of Delaware

Senior student studying
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The University of Delaware’s Over-60 Tuition-Free Degree program offers any Delaware resident age 60 or older the opportunity to further their education. SAT scores are not required, but you do need a high school diploma or the equivalent.

You can apply online to the university during each semester’s application period. Once accepted, eligible seniors can seek an undergraduate or graduate degree free of charge.

You are, however, responsible for the cost of textbooks, supplies, and any service fees for housing or dining on campus.

6. Georgia Tech

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If you have your heart set on earning a master’s degree, you might want to move to Georgia.

The University System of Georgia sponsors a tuition waiver program that opens Georgia Tech’s graduate-level courses to seniors where space is available. You must be able to prove that you are at least 62 years of age and a legal resident of Georgia. Students can be degree-seeking or just taking courses for personal and professional growth.

Tuition may be waived for undergraduate coursework, too. Apply at the office of undergraduate admission.

7. University of Illinois

University of Illinois
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Love the Windy City but prefer to settle in the suburbs?

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a research pioneer, offers nearly 5,000 courses in more than 150 fields of study alone.

If you are 65 or older, admitted to the university and a resident of Illinois, you can get tuition waived if your annual household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

If you meet these criteria, the Senior Citizen Courses Act Tuition Waiver can allow you to earn undergraduate- and graduate-level credit tuition-free.

Fees and other non-tuition charges are not covered by the waiver. Extramural and correspondence courses aren’t available through the program.

8. University of Kentucky

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Cheering for the Wildcats means so much more when you’re a student at the University of Kentucky.

That’s what makes the Donovan Scholarship, which covers tuition and mandatory course fees, extra-special. It is only available for adults age 65 and up taking academic, on-campus classes. (There is “limited availability” for online classes.)

Other than age and the availability of space in classes, the tuition program is fairly flexible. As a Donovan Scholar, you can audit classes without earning credit, earn credit even if you’re not working toward a degree, or take courses as a degree-seeking student. It’s up to you.

If you’re working toward a degree you’ll need to meet admissions requirements. But there are no educational requirements to audit undergraduate academic classes.

9. University of Maryland at College Park

woman studies at her home desk with a laptop
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Through the Golden ID Program, the University of Maryland at College Park waives tuition for residents 60 years of age and older. Some other fees apply, however.

You must be retired or working 20 hours per week or less.

If you meet the university’s admission requirements and space is available, you may register for courses in both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking programs, including at the graduate level.

The program allows Golden ID Program participants to take up to three courses per semester and take advantage of academic services including library usage.

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