Going to college for free (if you're the right age)

13 years ago

Juellie's post in the "What have you never done?" thread reminded me of something I've been meaning to mention. Many colleges and universities offer free tuition to students over the age of 60. The actual age can vary from school to school.

State colleges do this, but they're not the only ones; in my area, two private Catholic universities offer it, too. You don't have to be a full-time student to take advantage of it, either. A friend of mine just took a creative writing class for free.

I thought I'd pass this along, knowing many of you will have a long wait to reach that age. But surely some won't have to wait. :-)

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Comments (10)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
Another option now being offered are free online classes from many of the big universities, I was quite surprised to find that out. These are a few links with some of that info. Of course as always check all fine print in these situations.
300 Free Online Courses from Top Universities
Universities with the Best Free Online Courses

MIT OpenCourseWare even MIT is involved
Technophilia: Get a free college education online
bigfoot_liz
13 years ago
most colleges allow this only as auditing which does not count towards a degree. some restrict it too certain courses and professor preference. it is a good way thou to get your feet wet in preparation for college. i believe you do not take the quizzes or exams. ~ liz
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alisande
Original Author
13 years ago
I don't know about other areas, but at least two universities in my nearest city offer degree programs. With the one I looked into, you pay a yearly fee of $96, and you have to cover the cost of your books. My DS would love to see me go back and finish my degree, but at this point in my life that goal isn't important to me. I might take individual courses, though.
jannie
13 years ago
You can also "audit" classes for free. Attend the lectures but don't register, take tests or receive any credit. I'd take art and history classes, something I avoided when I was a regular college student back in the Days of Yore.
alisande
Original Author
13 years ago
Yes, that's a great, uncomplicated way to do it. I audited a poetry writing class (100% group critique) three times and enjoyed it immensely.
juellie1962
13 years ago
Thanks for all the info about college.....I really have no excuse to at least take a night course or two......I could've had 3 degrees if I just would've started when it really started bothering me; 25 years ago!!! could've, should've, would've...... :(
bigfoot_liz
13 years ago
it NEVER to late to go back and reinvent yourself, well unless you're dead! several yrs ago, seems like many LOL, my dh decided to go back and get a different degree from puter science. he went into mechanical engineering, perfect for him, quit working in dec 2007, got his honors BS while working on a dual MS last Aug and has 4 classes now left on his MS and he is 40. i want to go back and try something new in biotech, when he is done. the way i look at it is, i expect to live to be atleast 80 in great health and another 10-20 yrs past that. i have worked all of my life to retire at 55 (i'm 43) but i can't see myself doing that now that is just over a decade away :-0 there is soooo much i still want to accomplish. i am also terrified of losing intelligence thru lack of use.

each university runs the auditing programs differently. i used to teach for Indiana Univ and did not teach classses where anyone audited. i know Univ of Central FL (3rd largest univ in country) where my dh attends does not have many auditing classes (maybe at freshman level) and definitely not free, that's for sure. there are yr long waiting lists for many, many courses for full paying students, they would not allow a seat to be taken by auditing. BTW if you have not looked at textbook costs do that first if you plan on getting one. DH's textbooks ea semester cost more than the $4,500 tuition and he buys from asian printers and saves alot. ~ liz
Pooh Bear
13 years ago
Thanks to RavenCajun for posting this link:
300 Free Online Courses From Top Universities

I spent the day watching lectures in higher mathematics from MIT.
I'm really enjoying these. Thanks for posting.

Pooh Bear
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
you are welcome! WE can all benefit from stimulating those brain cells.
sheesh
13 years ago
That's for sure, raven!

I haven't done it yet, but my hub has taken anthropology and geology classes, and he loves every minute of it. Our dtr-in-law is a university psychology professor who has auditors in her classes. Though they don't usually talk in class, they are the great students because they are there simply for the joy of learning (and she doesn't have to grade their work!). She often has coffee with them during the semester because she finds their insights and perspectives interesting and helpful.

Going to college for free (if you're the right age)

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ravencajun Zone 8b TX

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Going to college for free (if you're the right age)

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