collageIf you are a legal resident of Georgia who is 62 or older and are interested in taking undergraduate-level courses, Georgia College offers the Amendment 23 program that allows you to enroll in classes (depending upon available space) tuition free (excluding textbooks, technology fees, and lab fees).
Collegelearners affords a plethora of information on free college after 50, free online college courses for senior citizens, free college in georgia for residents and so much more. Ensure you peruse through our catalogue for relevant information on similar topics.
Free College In Georgia For Seniors
If you have already received an undergraduate degree and wish to take a few classes, but do not want to earn another degree (you will receive a grade and credit for the course).
CLASS AUDITING REQUIREMENTS
Auditing a course allows you to take a class without the benefit of a grade or credit for the course. Audit courses are for the purpose of self-enrichment and academic exploration. Courses are offered ONLY on a space-available basis with the approvals of both the instructor of the course and the Registrar’s Office. An auditor is considered a passive learner and may not recite in class or take examinations, but is expected to attend classes with reasonable regularity.
free college after 50
Many institutions across the U.S. offer free college courses for seniors. These programs are an excellent opportunity to explore new interests and stay intellectually active.
But what colleges offer free tuition for seniors? And what are the requirements for these programs? Here are 20 universities with free college courses for seniors, along with overviews of how they work.
- California State University System
Education Code 89330 authorizes the popular CSU system to provide free tuition for seniors. Each campus must grant tuition waivers to California residents age 60 and older. Waived fees include those for tuition, applications, health services, and instructionally related activities.
Seniors can enroll in regular-session, undergraduate-level courses in subjects such as art, the humanities, agriculture, and computer studies.
- Clemson University — Clemson, SC
Article 5, Title 59 under the South Carolina Code of Laws allows state-supported universities to offer free tuition for seniors.
A large public university, Clemson provides free college classes for seniors. Learners can choose to audit a class or earn college credit. Students must be residents to receive the benefit, and admission is subject to program approval.
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, CO
CSU’s senior citizen class visitation policy allows resident instruction classes on a space-available basis to students age 55 and over. Lifelong learners can register for classes in subjects like theater, Italian, and women’s studies without paying tuition. Additional course fees are assessed individually. - Georgia Institute of Technology — Atlanta, GA
Provision 4.2.1.9 in the Georgia Constitution includes rules regarding free college for seniors age 62 and over. State residents can take higher education courses at no tuition cost, except at dental, medical, veterinary, and law schools.
Georgia Tech — one of the country’s top tech institutes — offers a 62 or Older Program that provides a waiver for both in-state graduate-level tuition and applicable student fees.
- The Ohio State University — Columbus, OH
Section 3345.27 of the Ohio Revised Code maintains similar regulations as Georgia regarding tuition, residency, and space availability. Ohio State’s Program 60 targets state residents who have lived in Ohio for at least a year.
Anyone age 60 or older may apply for undergraduate, graduate-level, or free online college courses for senior citizens.
- The Pennsylvania State University — University Park, PA
Penn State’s GO-60 program allows residents age 60 and older to take undergraduate courses (but not earn a degree). Participants must work less than 20 hours a week or be retired and meet the course prerequisites. For-credit classes are available on all Penn State campuses at no tuition cost on a space-available basis. - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Rutgers offers the Senior Citizen Audit Program with free college courses for seniors, depending on availability. State residents age 62 and over can audit classes at no tuition cost, though they must pay for textbooks.
Rutgers’ free college classes for seniors are available at the New Brunswick, Camden, and Newark campuses.
- The State University of New York
Assembly Bill A6380, which has not yet passed, would allow for free, for-credit courses for learners age 65 and older. Many SUNY campuses, including SUNY Purchase, already waive tuition for seniors. Additionally, various SUNY campuses offer noncredit courses, seminars, and workshops for retirees. - University of Connecticut — Storrs, CT
Connecticut state law allows residents age 62 and older to qualify for a tuition waiver at any public higher education institution. UConn’s senior citizen audit program offers seniors the option to audit undergraduate courses. However, there must be space available in fall or spring, and the instructor must give permission. - University of Delaware — Newark, DE
Chapter 34, Subchapter X of Delaware law authorizes residents age 60 and older to attend college without paying tuition. Seniors are responsible for paying for books, supplies, and lab and shop fees.
UD’s Over-60 Tuition-Free Degree Program uses a space-available format and does not cover continuing education classes.
- University of Florida — Gainesville, FL
Florida statute Chapter 1009 authorizes state universities to waive tuition and related fees for residents age 60 and older. UF’s 60-plus program provides free tuition and covers fees for seniors auditing a course. The waiver depends on space availability, and the university may limit courses. - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, IL
The Illinois Senior Citizen Courses Act permits public universities to enroll seniors in regularly scheduled credit courses without charging tuition. Residents age 65 and older are eligible at the U of I, so long as space is available. Note that fees and other charges are not included in the tuition waiver. - University of Kansas — Lawrence, KS
Chapter 2, Section B.1 in the Kansas Board of Regents Policy Manual ensures free tuition for Kansas residents age 60 and older. Under this law, learners can audit eligible courses at a state university, including KU, at no cost.
A senior citizen waiver is available for nondegree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students at KU’s main campus in Lawrence and the Medical Center. Students must submit this form every semester they enroll.
- University of Maryland — College Park, MD
Section VIII230 of the University System of Maryland’s policies and procedures ensures senior citizens’ right to free college courses. Any retired individual age 60 or older whose chief income comes from retirement benefits may be eligible for a tuition waiver at a member institution, including UMD, which offers the Golden ID Program. - University of Massachusetts Amherst — Amherst, MA
In Massachusetts, the Categorical Tuition Waiver provides financial support to people who can’t afford higher education without assistance.
UMass Amherst’s Senior Citizen Tuition Credit Affidavit credits $857-$1,320 in tuition per semester, depending on whether you’re enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. The university also offers free online college courses for seniors.
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities — Minneapolis, MN
Sec. 135A.52 MN Statutes guarantee free tuition for seniors age 62 and older at any Minnesota state college or university. Seniors must pay an administration fee and for any materials, personal property, and service charges, unless they’re auditing a course. UMN’s Senior Citizen Education Program offers reduced costs to audit classes and earn college credit. - University of Oregon — Eugene, OR
In Oregon, the senior citizen registration classification applies to residents age 65 and older and allows them to audit classes at no charge. The benefit uses a space-available basis, and individual departments must grant approval.
Seniors can take classes focusing on subjects such as creative writing, metalsmithing and jewelry, language, digital art, and disability studies.
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, TX
Chapter 54 of the Texas Education Code authorizes state colleges to offer free tuition for Texas residents age 65 and older. Like most tuition waivers, the award doesn’t cover fees, books, or continuing education classes.
UT Austin — one of the country’s top public universities — provides free tuition for seniors up to six credits.
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, VA
Virginia’s Higher Education Act, Code 23.1-640, waives tuition for residents age 60 and older taking up to three full- or part-time courses for academic credit. An applicant’s individual taxable income may not exceed $23,850 for the year preceding the award year.
UVA’s Senior Citizen Waiver Program provides for-credit courses with no tuition or fees, except for course materials.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI
UW offers senior learning opportunities through its continuing studies programs for adults age 50 and older. In-person and online courses are available for professional development and personal enrichment. Those age 60 and older can audit courses for free (with instructor approval).
The top public university’s Continuing Studies program also offers various noncredit classes in subjects like history, languages, and writing.
free online college courses for senior citizens
Seniors deserve the freedom to learn and try whatever they want just as younger people do, which is why free online courses are so important. As long as you have access to a smartphone, computer, or tablet, these courses are accessible to you. There are hundreds, if not thousands of different classes and activities that senior citizens may find enjoyable, so it was hard to narrow them down to just a few. But using our exclusive methodology, we’ve settled on ten excellent free courses for seniors. If you’re at a stage in life where you want to learn something new, keep reading to check out these options.
RANKING TEN FREE ONLINE COURSES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
1. The Path to Happiness and Good Quality of Life
Provided by Future Learn
As you grow older, you may find that some of the things you enjoyed earlier in life are no longer accessible. Even if this isn’t the case for you, it is always important to take control of your happiness and understand your feelings. This course from Future Learn does just that and is completely free to take for members or non-members. Future Learn is an online website that offers a variety of educational resources for people of all ages, with a rotating list of courses that is ever-changing so you never know just what you will get.
This best free online course, instructed by Graciela H. Tonon from the Universidad de Palermo, goes over the concepts of happiness and quality of life for people through different stages in their life. You will discuss the quality of life for children, adults, and senior citizens, all while identifying the different characteristics of your quality of life and happiness. Considering all of the stress that has surrounded the year 2020, evaluating your personal quality of life and happiness could be cathartic.
Cost: Free
Certificate: Yes (with $59 fee)
Time to Complete: Approximately 4 weeks
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and go at your own pace
- Delve deep into the concepts of happiness and the quality of life
- Especially relevant for senior citizens
Cons:
- Certificate does not come free with the course
2. Art Essentials: Learn Watercolor Painting Basics
Provided by SkillShare
Watercolor painting is an incredibly easy and accessible way for senior citizens to learn a new form of art. Watercolor paints are fairly self-explanatory, plus they are cheap and easy to find at most craft stores or online. This simple watercolor class provided by SkillShare has all the tools you need to use painting to pass the time! This is one of what SkillShare considers to be their premium classes, meaning you would normally need a paid premium membership to access it. However, the site is currently offering a two-week free trial period for new users, which is plenty of time to complete this short course.
This great free course for senior citizens covers all of the basics of watercolor painting, including how to use watercolor paints on both wet and dry paper, how to mix a color using primary-colored paints, and how to create texture using different brushes and tools. For practice, the instructor uses the example of shoes, which is incredibly fun and whimsical. By the end of the course, you will learn how much water to use, how to use different brushes, and how to use a basic color chart.
Cost: Free (with SkillShare Premium free trial)
Certificate: No
Time to Complete: Approximately 1 hour
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and go at your own pace
- Learn watercolor paints from the absolute basics
- Learn how to use different brushes and tools
Cons:
- Certificate does not come with the course
3. Music Theory: Instruments and Rhythm
Provided by Alison
For some senior citizens, music is an interest or hobby that has followed them throughout their lives, even from the time they were very young. Learning about music theory is just another way to appreciate music more deeply, especially music that is now considered classic. This course comes from Alison, which is an educational website aimed at the more business-minded individual. Alison is free to join and while many of its courses have a more professional purpose, there are many lifestyle courses that are perfect for senior citizens.
Throughout this free online course, you will learn how to actively listen to music and identify the different instruments, sounds, and rhythms in a song. Listening is something that takes constant practice, and if you already listen to a lot of music this course can help you become a more knowledgeable listener. The course goes over basic musical rules and theory, instruments, beats, rhythm, and different sounds you might find in a song and how to identify them. The course only takes between one and a half and three hours to complete, so you can start becoming a more active listener right away!
Cost: Free
Certificate: No
Time to Complete: Approximately 1.5 to 3 hours
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and go at your own pace
- Teaches you about sounds and instruments you have likely already heard
- Shows you how to become a more active listener
Cons:
- Certificate does not come with the course
4. Introduction to Philosophy
Provided by the University of Edinburgh via Coursera
If you are a senior citizen who is looking to learn a skill that is a little more intellectual or academic, look no further than this Introduction to Philosophy class from Coursera. Nearly half a million students have already enrolled in this free course, which aims to cover a wide variety of contemporary philosophers and their thoughts. Coursera is an educational platform designed to help students and professionals get ahead or jump start their careers with free and paid courses and specializations, and it’s widely regarded as one of the premier learning websites.
More than a quarter of the students who completed this course began a new career afterward or received some kind of promotion, raise, or tangible career benefit. The course is designed to take users through some of the main areas and thought-provoking questions of modern philosophy, as well as many of the philosophers and what their areas of questioning were. The course also investigates what philosophy really is and how it is different from other similar subject areas. By the end of this top free online course for senior citizens, you will have an introductory overview of several different areas of philosophy.
Cost: Free
Certificate: Yes
Time to Complete: Approximately 19 hours
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Free shareable certificate
- Teaches a very complex topic in a manageable way
- Goes through many modern philosophers
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the topics covered in the course do not go very in-depth
5. Professional Diploma in Interior Design
Provided by Shaw Academy
Shaw Academy believes that your future should go the way you want it, even if you are a senior citizen! There is still so much to gain later in life and this interior design diploma could be the key to starting a new hobby or even career. Typically, access to Shaw Academy means you would have to pay nearly $70 a month. However, this interior design diploma is one of the few courses on the site that is offered at no charge. The diploma takes about 4 weeks to complete and gives you the tools you need to become an interior design pro.
During this globally-recognized course, you will learn about how to create and manage your own interior design projects, whether they are in your own home or in someone else’s. The free online course will go over what you can expect as an interior designer, as well as basic design terms and jargon. You will also learn about floor plans, sections, elevations, mock-ups, perspective drawings, individual style, and more. This course is truly a comprehensive look at interior design as a whole, one that will have you ready for any design challenge.
Cost: Free
Certificate: Yes
Time to Complete: Approximately 4 weeks
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Takes only 4 weeks to complete
- Teaches a variety of interior design topics
- Gets you ready for a possible career in interior design
Cons:
- No certification
6. 15-Minute Cardio Dance Workout Class
Provided by YouTube and The Studio by Jamie Kinkeade
As you age, it can become harder and more laborious to move your body in a way that promotes circulation and muscle engagement. It might feel boring, exhausting, or tedious to work out in the same ways you did when you were younger. This is where something like Zumba comes in! Zumba is a type of dance cardio workout that was invented in the 1990s and aims to make exercise fun and exciting, no matter what your age is! Zumba classes range from super easy to incredibly challenging, and exist in a variety of different paces and music types.
Jamie Kinkeade, the instructor of the cardio course, aims to transform her students from the inside-out with her exciting cardio classes. She wants her students to be able to move freely and get sweaty at home, increasing their blood flow and giving them an overall rush of endorphins. Since this class is a workout class and takes only 15 minutes to complete, you can repeat it as many times as you want and continue to use it as a resource. Jamie Kinkeade also has other courses of different lengths and styles on her YouTube channel.
Cost: Free
Certificate: No
Time to Complete: Approximately 15 minutes
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Takes only 15 minutes to complete
- Can be repeated as many times as desired
- Good, quick course to get blood pumping and muscles moving
Cons:
- No certification
7. Introduction to Modern Script Calligraphy
Provided by SkillShare
Do you often write letters to friends and family? Do you enjoy reading a nicely-written card? Do you feel as though your handwriting has deteriorated over the years? No longer! This course from SkillShare is the perfect place to turn if you feel as though you want to improve your handwriting and learn a new aesthetic skill. As mentioned above, while SkillShare is technically a free platform to use, this course is one of SkillShare’s premium courses, meaning you would normally need to pay a subscription fee to use it. However, a 14-day trial for new users will allow you to access this course and many more for free.
This free online class, taught by Bryn Chernoff, is warm and inviting for those new to calligraphy and hand lettering. Bryn aims to be an encouraging teacher rather than attempting to challenge her students, emphasizing that practice makes perfect! By the end of the course, you will have completed a project that you enjoy in calligraphy, whether that’s a name, a card, or a short passage you enjoy. The course even includes seven practice pages that are exclusive to SkillShare, so you will always have more calligraphy practice to enjoy.
Cost: Free (With SkillShare premium free trial)
Certificate: No
Time to Complete: Approximately 2 hours
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start whenever you want and go at your own pace
- Very welcoming and encouraging course
- Includes practice pages that are unique to the platform
Cons:
- No certification
8. The Science of Compassion: The Biology of Compassion
Provided by LinkedIn Learning
As we grow older and progress through our life, we realize more and more just how important it is to have compassion for others. You never know what someone else is going through, so the best thing you can do is make life easier for them and be as compassionate as you can. This course from LinkedIn Learning shares the complexities of compassion, breaking down the actual biology of what it means to be compassionate. LinkedIn Learning is a paid, subscription-based educational platform, meaning you typically have to pay to unlock its content. However, new users can receive a one-month free trial by logging onto the site, and many students that are enrolled in a college or university can access the platform for free.
This free online course for senior citizens breaks down the biology of compassion, allowing you to understand the bodily functions that allow you to be compassionate to others. Compassion looks different in your brain, nervous system, and heart, and this course breaks down all of those functions. Additionally, instructor Kelly McGonigal takes users through the guided practice of heart breathing for compassion.
Certificate: No
Time to Complete: Approximately 1 hour
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start whenever you want and go at your own pace
- Breaks down biological functions of compassion
Cons:
- No certification
- Course material isn’t accessible after one month free trial ends
9. Poetry: How to Read a Poem
Provided by Future Learn
Poetry is everywhere, and it is one of the many forms of literature that can be incredibly calming and relaxing for people of all ages. Unfortunately, many don’t know how to properly read or interpret poetry. Taking this course could change that entirely. It’s hosted on Future Learn and is provided by the University of York, one of the preeminent universities in the United Kingdom. Future Learn offers a vast array of free courses, all with the option to pay a flat fee and receive extended benefits like a certificate of achievement upon completion.
This free online course takes about a month to complete and explains the beginnings of how humans interacted with other people and their world through poetry. Throughout the class, students will learn about the foundations of poetry and poetic form, intertextuality, how to write about poetry effectively, and more! Whether you love poetry or have never read a poem in your life, this course will certainly allow you to take something away that will have you seeing poetry through a new lens.
Cost: Free
Certificate: Yes (With $59 fee)
Time to Complete: Approximately one month
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start whenever you want and go at your own pace
- Takes students from the very foundations of poetry
- Teaches how to write about poetry
Cons:
- Certificate of completion does not come free with the course
10. 4 Time Tested Ways to Make Pottery Without Potter’s Wheel
Provided by SkillShare
To some, pottery may seem like an inaccessible activity, especially as you get older. Wheel throwing can be expensive, especially when you may not have the money or time for your own pottery studio. This course from SkillShare takes students through how they can create their own beautiful pottery without needing a potter’s wheel or any other expensive equipment. SkillShare is an educational platform that offers a variety of courses, some of which are locked by a premium membership. This course is one of those, so you will need the two-week free trial to access it.
This exciting class only takes about an hour and a half to complete and is sure to flex your creative muscles! The free online course for senior citizens takes you through pottery techniques that don’t require a lot of training, including making pinch pots, coil constructions, scooping techniques, slab construction, and making textured pots. If you are stuck at home for long periods of time and need a new creative outlet to keep your mind occupied, making your own, unique pottery could be the perfect pastime.
Cost: Free (With SkillShare premium free trial)
Certificate: No
Time to Complete: Approximately 1.5 hours
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start whenever you want and go at your own pace
- Teaches pottery methods that don’t require potter’s wheel
- Great for those stuck indoors
Cons:
- Course material is not accessible after free trial period
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