Senior Citizen? Here’s How You Can Go To College For Free

It’s never too late to attend college. If you’re a senior citizen (usually age 60 and up), you have a great incentive to do so: It may not cost you a thing.

Here are some examples of states offering free or super-affordable college education to seniors. If your state is not on the list, search for free college for senior citizens in your specific location online. If tuition isn’t completely free, you’ll probably be able to attend at a discounted cost.

States with Free College for Senior Citizens

1. Alabama

Are you 60 years of age or older and living in Alabama? You may be eligible for free tuition at any two-year institution.

To find out if you’re eligible, contact your local community college’s financial aid office. They should be able to point you in the right direction so you can start classes at no cost soon.

2. Arkansas

You won’t have to pay tuition if you’re 60 or older and an Arkansas citizen. That’s great news if you were looking to finish your undergraduate or graduate degree at one of the state’s institutions.

Since space is limited, start doing your research ahead of time. Know that while tuition may be free, you may have to pay student fees.

3. Connecticut

You can attend community colleges and state colleges in Connecticut for free if you are 62 or older.

As with other states’ offerings, space is limited, and student fees beyond tuition may be applicable, so check in advance.

4. Florida

You may not get actual credits for it, but you can attend schools in the Florida college system for free if you’re 60 and above. All fees, including application costs, tuition, and student fees are waived in Florida, which is superb news for seniors.

If you’re located in South Florida, Florida Atlantic University hosts the United States’ most extensive adult continuing education program. With over 27,000 new registrants per year, you’re bound to see other seniors walking around campus.

5. Georgia

Act fast, and you could attend classes at one of Georgia’s public colleges at no cost if you’re 62 or older. If you plan on getting credit for your classes, you’ll need to apply via regular admissions.

As with college for senior programs in other states, space is on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait to apply.

6. Illinois

Seniors 65 or older who meet specific income requirements can go to Illinois public institutions for free. You may have to pay other student fees, and even lab fees if your courses require them, however.

7. Louisiana

Are you 55 or older and living in Louisiana? Meeting those requirements makes you eligible for free tuition at Louisiana state schools plus half-off on all books and materials.

8. Virginia

If you’re a Virginia resident who earns less than $23,850 taxable income per year and are 60 or older, you can attend three courses per term at any public institution, and it won’t cost you a thing.