Auditing College Classes After 60: How It Works at Universities in 10 States

Many public universities let older residents sit in on regular college courses for free or for a small fee. You attend the same lectures as enrolled students, do as much of the reading as you like, and skip the exams and the grade. The catch is that every state, and often every campus, sets its own rules. This guide compares the published policies at universities in 10 states, then explains how to find and use the program nearest you.

What "auditing" means

Auditing a course means attending without earning credit or a grade. Most senior programs work the same way:

• You must be a resident of the state and meet a minimum age, usually 60, 62 or 65.
• Tuition is waived or sharply reduced. Books, lab fees and course materials are usually still your cost.
• Seats are offered on a space-available basis, after paying students have registered.
• The instructor often has to approve.

Some states also allow older residents to take courses for credit at no tuition, sometimes with an income limit.

Rules at universities in 10 states

The table summarizes each university's own published policy. Policies at other campuses in the same state can differ, so treat this as an example of how each state's program works and confirm with the school you plan to attend.

What the table shows

Age 60 is the most common threshold, but it is not universal. Minnesota and Connecticut use 62. North Carolina and Maine use 65.

"Free" usually means free tuition. Nearly every policy says books, lab fees or course materials remain the student's responsibility. Connecticut charges a flat $50.

You register last. Space-available rules mean you often cannot sign up until classes are about to begin, or have already begun. UConn does not register senior auditors until the 10th day of the semester. Buffalo reviews space in the second week. Popular courses may be full.

Several programs are written into state law. Ohio's Program 60 rests on a 1976 state law. Virginia's waiver comes from the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974. Minnesota and Kansas cite state statutes as well. That is why programs like these exist at public campuses across those states, not just one.

Some states allow credit, too. Virginia waives tuition for credit courses when the student's taxable income is below a set limit, which George Mason and Virginia Commonwealth University both list as $23,850. Minnesota charges $20 per credit. If you want a transcript, ask about the credit option.

How to sign up, step by step

1. Find the policy. Search the university's name with "senior citizen audit" or "senior tuition waiver." The registrar's office usually runs the program.
2. Check the age and residency rules. Most require proof of age and proof that you live in the state, such as a driver's license.
3. Apply as a non-degree student if required. Many schools ask for a short application before you can register. Some also ask for immunization records.
4. Choose a few courses. Look at the published class schedule and pick a first choice and two backups. Introductory lecture courses are the easiest to get into.
5. Contact the instructor. A short, polite email explaining that you would like to audit under the senior program is usually welcome. Ask whether the instructor expects auditors to do the reading or take part in discussion.
6. Register in the window. Note the date registration opens for auditors and the deadline for forms.
7. Sort out the practical details. Ask about parking permits, library access and the campus email account you may need for course materials.

What to expect in the classroom

• You are a guest. Auditors generally do not submit papers or take exams, and instructors are not obliged to grade your work.
• Lecture courses work best. Labs, studio art, performance courses and online classes are often excluded.
• Do the reading anyway. You will get far more from the lectures.
• Let enrolled students lead discussion. They are being graded. Instructors appreciate auditors who contribute without dominating.
• Expect online tools. Syllabi, readings and announcements are usually posted in a course website. The campus help desk can get you set up.

If your state is not on the list

Most states have some version of this benefit at public colleges, and community colleges often have the simplest process. Call the registrar and ask two questions: "Do you have a tuition waiver or audit program for older residents?" and "When can I register?"

Another route: Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes

If the registration rules sound like too much trouble, look for an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The national resource center for the network at Northwestern University counts 124 institutes across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 125,000 members. They offer non-credit, university-level courses for adults 50 and older, with no tests and no grades. Members pay a membership fee, and some institutes charge per course. The Bernard Osher Foundation lists the participating campuses.

For more on building learning into your week, see our guide to lifelong learning in retirement.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a college degree or test scores to audit?

Generally no. Senior audit programs usually admit you as a non-degree student. Courses with prerequisites may require the instructor's approval.

Will the course appear on a transcript?

It depends on the school. Some record an audit notation and some keep no record. If you want credit, ask about the credit option and its cost.

Can I audit online courses?

Often not. Several policies in the table exclude online courses. Ask the registrar.

Can I use the library and the gym?

Library access is common. Recreation facilities and student ID privileges vary and may not be included.

What if the class I want is full?

Ask the instructor whether they will allow an auditor if a seat opens, and have a backup course ready.

Sources

All sources accessed November 13, 2026. Policies change each academic year, so confirm with the registrar before you plan a semester.

• University of Minnesota, Senior Citizen Education Program
• Ohio State University, About Program 60
• University of Maryland Global Campus, Golden ID Program
• University of Central Florida, Senior Citizen Audit
• George Mason University, Senior Citizen Waiver Program
• Virginia Commonwealth University, Senior Citizens Higher Education Program
• University of Connecticut, Senior Citizen Audit
• University at Buffalo, 60 and Over Auditors Program
• Appalachian State University, Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver
• University of Kansas, Senior Citizen Rates policy
• University of Maine, Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver
• Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University, The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Network
• The Bernard Osher Foundation, Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes