You spent decades working, raising a family, and putting everyone else first. Now retirement is here and maybe that old dream is, too. The one where you finally go back to school and get that degree you always wanted.
Here is the part nobody tells you: in many states, you can do exactly that. For free.
States Where College Tuition Is Free for Seniors
According to IvyWise, 37 percent of today’s college students are 25 or older. Plenty of those seats are filled by people just like you, and in these states, tuition is not standing in the way.
- California: Every college in the Cal State system is required by Education Code 89330 to offer tuition waivers to California residents over age 60.
- South Carolina: All state-funded universities offer free tuition to South Carolina residents who are seniors. You can take as many courses as you like, as long as you stay in good academic standing.
- Georgia: Under Provision 4.2.1.9 of the Georgia Constitution, residents aged 62 and older can take classes at any of the state’s 31 colleges and universities at no tuition cost. Note that not every undergraduate and graduate course qualifies.
- Kentucky: Kentucky residents over 65 can receive free tuition for any undergraduate or graduate course at Kentucky State University.
- Michigan: Michigan residents aged 62 and older qualify for full-tuition scholarships for all on-campus classes at Northern Michigan University. Books, fees, and online or off-campus courses are not included.
- Rhode Island: The University of Rhode Island offers a tuition waiver for seniors who fall below a certain income level and meet the waiver requirements.
- Alaska: Residents aged 65 and older can attend classes at the University of Alaska for free, on a space-available basis.
- Arkansas: Arkansas residents over 60 can take tuition-free courses at the University of Arkansas, space permitting. A high school diploma or GED is required.
Scholarships Worth Knowing About
If your state is not on that list, don’t give up. There are scholarships designed specifically for older learners.
- Jeannette Rankin Scholarship Fund: For women over 35 with financial need who are pursuing a technical, vocational, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree.
- Alpha Sigma Lambda: Seniors working toward an undergraduate degree with financial need may qualify for $3,500 in scholarship money. Requirements include attending a college with an active chapter, having 24 completed credits, and a GPA of at least 3.2.
You can search for more options at sites like Scholarship360 and Bold.org.
Federal Financial Aid Is an Option, Too
Federal programs like Pell Grants and student loans are not just for young people. You can apply regardless of age. Start at studentaid.gov to see what you might qualify for.
Retirement is a second chapter, not an ending. If going back to school has been on your mind, the money part might not be the obstacle you thought it was.
