Retirees Going to College

Retirees have a variety of options to take college-level classes at affordable prices and sometimes even for free. Here are some ways to increase your knowledge in retirement, without straining your bank account.
Audit classes for free. Retirees who audit college classes get to attend interesting lectures, but no grades or credits are provided. For example, Florida residents of at least a year who are 60 and older may enroll in tuition-free classes as audit students at the University of Central Florida, if the class isn’t already filled up by paying students. Check out your ideal college for similar offers.

Get a senior citizen tuition wavier. Some colleges offer senior citizen tuition waivers to retirees who are above a certain age and meet other requirements, which allows them to earn college credit without paying any tuition. Some professors really like this because someone who is older has a more mature viewpoint and can contribute to the classroom discussion.
Take advantage of campus amenities. Taking classes about fascinating subjects isn’t the only way to enjoy college life. Colleges tend to host speakers, concerts, politicians and sporting events, and local residents are frequently invited to take part. Some colleges might allow retirees to use the libraries, athletic facilities and other campus perks.

Consider campus life. Some colleges have constructed retirement communities on or near campus. Retirees who live in these communities typically get access to a variety of campus amenities and have a chance to participate in campus life, while living in a residence that is far nicer than the typical dorm room. If the college has a medical school, it usually contributes to improve the quality of care in the local area.
Take classes just for seniors. Some retirees enjoy sharing a lecture hall with 20-somethings working toward a degree, while others would prefer to take classes that are populated with other retiree students. There are 119 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes on college campuses.

Try online courses. You can take online courses from home on your computer without ever having to leave your house. Coursera and edX both offer free online courses taught by professors at major universities. There is a charge only if you want a formal certificate verifying that you have successfully completed the course requirements. For more detail, go to: http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2015/09/08/6-tips-for-going-back-to-school-in-retirement