More schools offering financial aid for retirees and senior citizens

Posted on 06/08/10 5:31 PM by Alexis

senior citizens going back to schoolAs the baby boomer population slowly drifts into retirement, more and more of these retirees are heading back to college to upgrade their job skills and educational background.  Unbeknownst to some, many colleges and universities are now offering scholarships for seniors so they can enroll in a course at a cheap cost, or at no cost at all.

Depending on the college or the university, senior citizens can apply for tuition waivers or discounts, or enroll in continuing education classes which last anywhere from four to eight weeks. Some schools allow senior citizens to audit a class for free, (meaning they can attend a lecture but they do not have to complete any assignments). In order to qualify, a senior citizen may be required to provide proof of age, state residency, retirement documentation, bank statements, or their high school diploma.

According to a survey conducted by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), approximately 84 percent of community colleges in the U.S. offer courses for students aged 50 and older. States that currently offer tuition waivers for some of their public colleges are: Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont and Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

The GO-60 Program at Penn State University offers free tuition to those who are 60 years and older. In order to qualify for the program the applicant must be a Pennsylvania resident who is retired or working part-time, or a former Penn State alumni or employee.

At Northern Michigan University, Michigan residents who are 62 or older can apply for free tuition through the Senior Citizen Scholarship Program. However, applicants are still required to pay the student discretionary activity fee which costs $30.26, and the program does not apply to online courses.

The University of Delaware has an Over-60 Tuition Free Degree Program which offers free tuition to Delaware residents aged 60 and over. Seniors who are currently taking classes as Continuing Education students are not eligible for the program, and the applicants still have to pay for late registration charges, fees, and textbook costs.

The Prime Timers Program at Georgia Perimeter College allows those who are aged 62 or older to complete an associate degree program for no cost at all, however they are required to pay for their own textbooks as well as various activity, technology, athletic and student support fees.

Over 3,000 senior citizens have already applied for the Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver at the University of Connecticut, Connecticut State University, or at one of the 12 community colleges. In order to qualify the applicant must be a Connecticut resident and aged 62 or older.

The Evergreen Program at Boston University allows those who are 58 and over to audit undergraduate classes for $100 per course or attend “special seminars” taught by the university faculty.

Last year as part of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, a senior scholarship program was created to help support those who are 55 or older get funding for their education. The program awards $1,000 to a senior citizen who volunteers more than 350 hours out of the year, and they can choose to use the money for their child’s, grandchild’s, or foster child’s education.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI) currently offer 93 non-credit senior citizen programs which can cost anywhere from $25 to $450. Seniors can enroll in a course at any of the 118 participating colleges and universities, some of which include the University of South Dakota, San Diego State University, Texas Tech University, and Florida International University. (To find the one closest to you click here).

These are just some of the many programs that are available for seniors who are interested in applying for tuition discounts or scholarships. Because many colleges and universities generally do not publicize these opportunities, senior citizens are encouraged to call their local college or university to see if they are eligible for any scholarships or tuition waivers.

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44 Comments on “More schools offering financial aid for retirees and senior citizens”

  1. SD Blogger Says:

    We administer an AmeriCorps program at our university and it’s been an intergenerational corps for the past three years, with 1/3 our population being baby boomers. They receive an educational award after completing their term of service and it’s exciting to see more seniors continuing their education.

    I found your blog from the SA Blog Directory! I hope you will check out my blog – Diary of a Student Development Professional – and leave a comment at http://www.studentdevelopmentblog.com/2010/08/04/tell-me-about-your-blog/
    I look forward to meeting you!

  2. daydreamer Says:

    College is something that must be earned. Remember that, the better educated our citizens the more economically our country can develop and dominate the rest of the world. We have laggard in our education practices and let other countries pump out smarter and richer citizens. The people make the country. I worked and paid for my own school with some help from local funds. Did my own research and applied locally for pell grants. I have since used that wisely to secure a great paying job. http://www.Edfed.org is a great site for information on how to apply and where to apply for pell grants, scholarships, and loans.

  3. Peggy DeSousa Says:

    Hello,
    I am a 60 year old person with an AA degree and would like to get my B.A. My husband lost his job in January, and I teach guitar lessons from home for income. I live in Northern Illinois.
    Please give me information on Free and/or Waived Tuition for Senior Citizens. Thank you.
    Peggy DeSousa

  4. Linda Punzo Says:

    I am 60 years old. I have an associates degree from 10 years ago.
    I would like to earn a B.S. degree at Stockton College in New Jersey,but cannot afford to pay tuition. I heard about a program called SAGE, where NJ residents can have tuition waived if they are 60 years or older, but could not find any information on line. Please help. Thank you

  5. Nancy L. Smith Says:

    I live in Kansas City, KS., but I am attending an online school, Colorado Technical University, in Colorado Springs, Co. I am 72 years old and working part-time. I am also on Social Security. I would like to know if I can qualify for a Senior Scholarship, or how do I go about finding if I do qualifyt. I am currently working toward an Associates Degree in Medical Coding & Billing. Could you please advise how I can find out if I qualify for a scholarship or receive free (waived) tuition for my schooling. Thank you for your help.

    By: Nancy L. Smith on December 5, 2010

  6. Dora Salazar Says:

    Hello, I’m 59yrs old, I would like to return to school to get a degree, when I left 8 yrs ago from school and work because of a medical problem: I was short 20 hrs to finish a degree program. I would like to continue my education but am lacking the funds. I would like to know if Texas (I live in south texas a town along the boarder) has a program that waivers tuition cost. I would appreciate any help or information you could provide me.Thank You

  7. Janet Dunn Says:

    I am very interested in attending college after leaving school in 1971. I have just a few credits so I would probably have to start over. I am particularly interested in a culinary arts degree. I am 59 years and will be 60 in May 2011. Please send information. Thanks, Janet

  8. Charly Trimble Says:

    1 am interested in pursuing my PH.D. I am semi-retire and will need to continue to collect addtional funds to support myself. Interested in on-line courses. My home state is Georgia, but currently living in Las Vegas

  9. Sharon Alston Says:

    I am 61 and will be 62 in October. I currently have an Associates Degree and recently attended Northwest University and received 15 additional credits and a certification in Ministry and Leadership. I would like to get my BS, but I am concerned about the possible $30K it would take to complete and pay for in my retirement years. Are there any 4 year colleges in Washington State that offer discounts or a Senior Tuition Waiver?
    Thanks,
    Sharon Alston

  10. Claire Gibbons Says:

    I am retiring from teaching this year and would like to return to school. I am a little nervous about attending classes with the average aged student since the new teachers at work called attention to my “age” and the fact that I should “retire” soon. Which I did. Would it be different in another state? Or would I be fooling myself if I moved to a state like Maryland who offers waivers for those over sixty. I live in New York, right now, but my sister would like me to move closer to her in Maryland.

  11. Lucille Morgan Says:

    My father is a retired military officer whose looking to go back to school in Arkansas. If you can send me any information about schools in our state who offer tuition wavers for seniors, we would appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

  12. Beth Mosley Says:

    Hello,
    I am a senior citizen with certifications in legal studies as well as completion of an Administration Assistance program. I suffer from a physical disability caused by a near fatal vehicular accident. I am interested in obtaining and would like to get my B.A.in Education.

    I live in Southern California near two major Universities: USC and UCLA.
    Please provide me with information on Free and/or Waived Tuition for Senior Citizens. Thank you.

    Beth Mosley – October 15, 2011

  13. Diana Lentz Says:

    Hello,
    I am 65 year old woman & unemployed currently after working in acctg/admin for 16 years. I have an AA degree in business and would like to pursue a bachelors in Accounting.

    I live in Calif. Are there any opportunities for free tuition, grants or scholarships here that would be available to me. I live in the greater bay area of Northern Calif.

  14. Mollie Espinosa Says:

    I am 64 years old and am currently living in Colorado. I have done research and found an online school to learn how to do Medical billing and coding. I wanted to find out if there was some way I could get some sort of a discount or some help to defray the repayment of a loan until one month after I finish and start working. I also need some help to support myself while I am going to school. I receive Social Security, but it isn’t very much at all. What I would need is about $500 more a month just to survive. I could work, but am having problems finding a job. My physical situation doesn’t allow me to work in many places. That is why I want to study online and will be able to work online when I finish my school. Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide me with.

  15. Manjula Cherkil Says:

    I could not complete my Ph.D. Degree in Women & Development after four year’s course work. Subsequently I did a research project in Five College Women Studies Center, Mountholyoke, South Hadly on women in garment sector in Asia. Recently I was involved in a social audit involving women workers in garment sector and has jointly authored an article on Social Auditing. I have also developed an Adult Education Programme for illiterate garment factory women workers working in Jordan.

    I retired from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore as a Senior Executive from the Centre for Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility. My work included research and providing executive administrative support for running various programmes on Corporate Social Responsibility.

    I am now keen on doing a full time Ph.D. Programme in Corporate Social Responsibility. I have done my Masters in Economics from India. How can I realise my dream of studying in US? I have an annual income of US$6000 plus I have worked for Senior Professors in India as their Executive Assistant and profficient in computer, shorthand and other secretarial duties.

  16. LOU Says:

    I AM 60 YEARS OLD HAVE AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE AS AN RN & BS IN SOCIAL STUDIES, STARTED A BRIDGE MASTERS IN EDUCATION, WOULD LIKE TO COMPLETE MY DEGREE, BUT LOOKING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS (WAIVERS OR DISCOUNT)TO POSSIBLE COMPLETE MY EDUCATION. I LIVE IN LOUISIANA.
    BY LOVENIA NARCISSE JANUARY 14, 2013

  17. b turley Says:

    I Am 66 yrs old, disabled, and have been accepted into the MFA program on the strength of my writing sample. I have searched for days online for grants with no luck. The time is approaching when I will have to either enroll or withdraw. Do you have any suggestions?

    Thanks.
    Bill Turley

  18. Sue Martin Says:

    Do you know of any colleges in CA. which wave tuition for the online RN to BSN program?

  19. MaryAnn Parrish Says:

    I will soon be 63, and would like to complete my Master’s degree in Criminal Justice/Legal Studies online. I work full-time because my husband has not been able to find a job. I live in PA, and would like to know what financial aid is available to me.

  20. Timothy Wahl Says:

    I have been accepted at USC Anneneberg School of Journalism. The masters degree program starts in August.At 64 and 1/2, I am retired and am in need of $$$ to help pay for this. Some states offer tuition assistance or even free rides to senior citizens. Please let me know what might exist in California.

  21. Talley Tolliver Says:

    I received my AA degree in 1975 at Pasadena City College and now would like to resume my college career and complete the requirements for my BA . One of the problem being a senior citizen on fix income, how can I afford the rising cost of college. Are there programs for seniors in my situation? My preference is to study online. I am receiving SSDI from Social Security as my source of income.
    I am currently living in Northern California in a small city call Pittsburg,

  22. Mary Santini Says:

    I am 64 years old. I want to get my Bachelors Degree. I took courses in 1971 and through the years
    as a single parent, took a couple of night courses. My focus has been writing and communications.
    I just started at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. I got a very small grant and 2 loans. I don’t have any money, no assets to speak of, I don’t want to take out any more loans next year or after.
    What is available in MA for grants and scholarships or tuition free schools?

  23. Albans Lourds Says:

    I am a 60 year old single mom and would like to do a basic degree in English Language. This is has been my dream all my life. I have been teaching English in the capacity of Young learners and teenagers as well as adults But I have always had to short sell myself for the mere reason that I don’t have a degree. I live in Malaysia and am currently supporting my teenage daughter with her college education

    I sincerely look forward to your prompt response and thank you in anticipation.

  24. juanita Says:

    I am a 59 year old teach.assistant with a bachelors degree, I started a masters however was not able to balance the tuition. I need to find wish my masters in order to get a promotion to support myself.

  25. jose r naranjo Says:

    59 years old and considering going back to college to get my associate degree or higher. What college in California waver Tuition or lower tuition for senior citizen?

  26. Marsha C. Says:

    I am 64 yrs old and would like to earn my master’s degree (online if possible). I have a BA degree in English and never got to earn a higher education degree due to my single mother status.

    I have very limited funds today…I need financial help with this dream.

  27. Michael Danforth Says:

    I am 65 years old. I have 66 credit hours from a Florida University. Recently, I was laid off and have no income. I am very interested in furthering my education (Bachelor of Science) in either Construction Management and or Construction Environmental Health & Safety. Note: My work history/experience is in both fields for over 30 years. With no income, I am looking for a Educational Program that will financially assist or subsist me in my educational goals. I live in Florida.

  28. Janna Carroll Says:

    I am 58 years old.I have been a stay at home Mom for years because of a medical condition. My husband abandoned me over a year ago. It didn’t take me long to see I can’t afford to support myself on minimum wage. I was even homeless for awhile after he left.I live in Georgia. Any help would be appreciated.
    Thank you,
    Janna Carroll

  29. Rita A. Says:

    I became a widow at 50 years unable to receive social security because I was young. With a limit income I return to college. My federal loan and grant money was exhausted from previous years of going to college. Now I am a senior in college and lacking
    30 credit hour to graduate. Are there any resources available.

  30. Patricia Fisk Says:

    I am a 63 year old female looking to finish my associates degree of which I only need 4 classes and pursue my BA in English. I am not able to pay tuition since I am on disability but currently have a 3.67 GPA. I live in Ohio in a suburb of Cleveland. Because of illnesses I was denied any federal aid this semester because of dropped classes. Are there any scholarships available to me. I would like to also add that both of my parents served in the military during WWII.

  31. Linda Imabori Says:

    I am 62 years old and looking to earn credentials to become a Medical Coder and Biller…. I need to find a reputable online program and could really use some sort of break on the expense. My husband is a Vietnam vet if that means anything.

  32. AL RAHMATIAN Says:

    I AM SENIOR CITIZEN LIVING IN SAN DIEGO, VERY INTERSTED TO ATTEND CULINARY SCHOOLS AT NO COST, SINCE DON’T HAVE ANY FUNDS TO SUPPORTS MY INTERSTS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY INSTITUES OR SCHOOLS ARE AVAILABLE. GREATLY APPRECIATED.AL

  33. Charmaine Says:

    Please send updated information about schools in the Pittsburgh, Pa. Area that give a reduced or waived tuition to age 62, to complete a BA. Thank you.

  34. DAVE ROBERTS Says:

    I am 68 and want to take 30 hours of college accounting to qualify for the CPA exam. I live in Michigan.

  35. Dorethea C. Allmon Says:

    I am 64 years of age. I have been out of the workforce for 10 due to the hurricane Katrina and ongoing medical concerns. But I have such a “passion” for Couple & Family “Spiritual” Counseling. I would love to earn my Masters of Art in Christian Edu. through a tuition waiver or volunteer services. I currently have a B.A. degree. I live in NOLA can you guide me as to where I can attend to make this desire happen. My husband is a former Vet if that helps. Thanks

  36. Nicole L. Learson Says:

    Hello, I am a single mom of a beautifully intelligent 11yrs girl. I have worked all my adult life putting myself through college (MBA) and is currently working. But because of a “deceptive” 16 yr. marriage I now am struggling on this “average” paying job (lost everything, house, car, 6-figure income etc.) But, not my mind, so I am pursuing my PHD program. I need a financial investor willing to invest in my education so I can re-invest in other “students” by working at a University and making their “desires” happen! Asking is their anyone out there that can “give” me a hand-up this time? Thank you so much!

  37. Rachel Campbell Says:

    I’m a 60 yr. old graduate of Fordham University. 4.0 GPA looking for scholarship for Masters of Divinity program in Nashville, TN.

    Thank you.

  38. eugene sinta Says:

    I am 62 and have lots of collage experience but life got in the way. Where can i go to collage for free to finish a degree? thank you very much.

  39. kim A. Says:

    I’m a 56 year old African American woman returning to school to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at National University. I earned an AA degree over 20 years ago.

  40. Patricia Says:

    I am 68 yo and want to get my undergrad degree. I know it’s late in the game but this is important to me. Not a lot of money at this stage but a lot of desire. I live in Arizona. Can’t find a place to help make this happen. Can you give me direction? Osher is here but offers no credit.

  41. SHEILA WRIGHT Says:

    HELLO MY NAME IS SHEILA WRIGHT I AM 62 YEARS OF AGE I WILL BE ENTERING A BACHELORS PROGRAM IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016 I WAS NOTIFIED BY MY SCHOOL I HAVE EXHAUSTED ALL OF MY LOANS & FUNDS PLEASE HELP I AM NOT A QUITTER!!!!

  42. Denise Dominiak Says:

    I am 62 years old as well as a senior citizen. Because of an injury I sustained while on duty for an health care agency I can no longer continue to work in in this area of health care. I have not worked since 04/2/2016 due to the extent of this injury. There will be yet another sugerical procedure repair the damage that envolves a total shoulder replacement. I throughly enjoyed working with and assisting clients with activities of daily living to enable he or she with disabilities to remain in their homes. This also included providing encouragement to remain in volved in recreational activities with in the home as well as in their community. I have a AAS degree in Gerontological as a major and a minor in recreational activities in the year of 1988. My future goal is to continue schooling to acquire a BS degree in Theraputic Recreation and also continue to become certified in this field.At the present time I am living month to month in recieving compensation benefits that just barely provides assistance for daily nutritional needs as well as paying bills. I still am living with a disability. I live in New York State and at this time have no plans to leave the state I reside in until all sugical procedures are completed. I have chosen a SUNY School to attend to complete my Degree in Recreation Therapy. This college is SUNY Brockport University. Some classes will be on line and other courses will taken from compatable courses from other SUNY related colleges like UB University and NCCC College . This includes 2 internships. Please send information that can assisted in acquiring scholarships,grants,waivers or Lower tuition rates to help assist this SENIOR persue her dream to squire a BS Degree as aTherapuetic Trcreationist to work with clients who have dissabilities that allows various age groups to remained involved activities they all enjoy through adaptation. I will be entering entering a Bachelors program in the spring of 2017. Just not ready for bingo games or long naps in rocking chair .There is other adventures out there to conquire. Thank You for listening to my short story.

  43. leslie van de ven Says:

    I am a 63 year old woman with a husband who has multiple sclerosis. I would like to go back to school online to get my Masters in Art Therapy through St mary of the woods college in Indiana. We are on a fixed income with some savings, but we are concerned that our avings will have to go towards insurance. i would like to apply for grants to get my ddgree. I worked full time as a nurse and went to UC Davis part time to get my degree in art and ychology in preparation for my masters in art therapy.

  44. Esther kind Says:

    I have a bachelor’s degree and want to get a masters degree. I am a senior citizen and live in New York City. What free or low cost programs, are available ?

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