9 Top Colleges for Retirees

When most people envision their retirement years, few actually picture themselves sitting in a classroom or participating in an online class.

This is typically a time you think about kicking back and relaxing. And who can blame you?

You’ve put in the time, saved and played by the rules. So, now it’s “your” time and you want to make the most of it for as long as is possible.

While that all makes sense, there may be legitimate reasons to consider going back to school. For the typical retiree entertaining such a move, they may be doing so after being away from the ivory towers of academia for many years.

This article focuses on topics ranging from why you might want to attend college after retiring and possible benefits to doing so, key considerations, potential discounts and some suggestions of schools around the country offering good opportunities for those seeking to emphasize learning in their retirement years.

Introduction

So you find yourself newly retired (maybe even did so a while back) or fast approaching the day you say your goodbyes at your longtime workplace. Now it’s time to embrace the “rest of your life,” and begin to live out your retirement.

Retirement can be many things for each different individual. In fact, it is individualistic in its nature, even if you are doing so as a couple.

It can be as simple as not going to work anymore and doing nothing but watching TV each day – day after day – till the time you pass, or living adventurously, fulfilling your bucket list items until your health doesn’t allow that to occur anymore…or anything in between.

The good news is you get to decide and fill in the blanks for your own life path in your golden years.

For some (perhaps you), the desire to learn may have always been something of interest during earlier parts of your life, and may well be once again.

There can be many motivations for returning to school after retirement. From wishing to finish a graduate degree, or even your bachelors, to wanting to learn something in areas in which you have an interest but never had the time to do so.

Perhaps your starting a business and looking for help in how to go about doing so, or simply desire to continue learning for personal fulfillment, staying sharp and engaged, and more.

To help as you try to decide if continuing education is something for you in retirement, here’s some things to consider, along with a list of schools across the nation who do a good job of providing good programs for retirees.

Why Go Back to College

When it comes to going back to college (or even starting for some) after the onset of retirement, the motivations and reasoning can vary considerably.

Key among them include:

• Finishing a degree (Bachelor, Master or even Doctorate) or a certificate program not previously completed
• To help further your ability to work in retirement (new or advanced knowledge can be useful for things like deciding to consult in your area of expertise, teaching, or even starting work in a new field)
• Lifelong learner – some people were born to learn and are happiest and most fulfilled when doing so
• To learn something new in terms of area of interest or to take on new hobbies (not all classes are academic in nature)
• To do something constructive with available free time
• For purpose of networking and meeting new people
• And more

Key Considerations

When it comes to attending college after retirement, it’s important to know that many institutions offer senior citizens free college courses, or those that are at least pretty cheap. Many states offer coursework that is free or very inexpensive at the state institutions they fund.

As such, a key consideration at the very start is cost. What are the costs for tuition if you are retired? Do you wish to receive credit hours for completing each course, or do you only intend to learn and plan to participate on an “audit-only” basis, in which case you receive no grade or credits.

If you are attending to complete a degree, will they accept and transfer prior credits that will count towards a degree or certificate program at that school?

If you are attending simply to learn, you may not have to complete homework, projects or even exams.

There will generally be other fees involved, plus the costs for books, parking and other things. As such, you’ll want to determine those fees in advance.

Just as when you were younger, attending school in your own state of residence is a huge issue. Same holds true for most schools regarding retirees attending classes. In-state will usually be much cheaper, while out-of-state students will generally pay more…sometimes considerably more.

Keep in mind that a big change from when you were younger is that of online coursework. In fact, some students never step foot into a classroom nowadays, whether they are just starting out as young adults, or are adult learners in their 50s and beyond.

With online courses you do need to be certain you have the equipment necessary (computer, router for Internet connections, printer and other peripheral equipment, office programs, Zoom or other communications/meetings access, etc.) and a comfort level working online. You also have to be comfortable working independently, or have someone who can assist you.

If you previously funded a 529 plan for a child or grandchild, you can still use the funds for yourself from such an account if there are any left.

Additionally, when it comes to funding, you are still eligible for federal student aid, such as grants, scholarships and loans. You can go to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website (https://studentaid.gov/) and learn more, as well as apply for funds to cover college, no matter your age.

There’s also many states that offer funding aid that is in addition to the academic discounts they provide in their state-funded colleges.

All of these are issues you want to investigate in advance of starting courses while in retirement.

Benefits of College as a Retiree

When it comes to the reasons it might make sense for you to attend college after retiring, the benefits of doing so should be among your key considerations. After all, you have plenty of alternatives to engage in and spend your time doing.

Certainly among the key benefits should be that of fulfilment. Feeling good about completing something, taking on a new challenge, furthering your knowledge, etc.

Then there’s professional benefits, such as completing a degree to be able to do things like teaching, consulting in your area of career expertise, moving into a second career, and more. These things can include monetary benefits, as well.

Learning more about areas of interest or the ability to better engage in hobbies can offer both tangible and intangible benefits to you as a person.

Occupying your time with a worthwhile endeavor, engaging with other people (even those much younger), keeping yourself younger and sharper, and more, are all great benefits that deserve consideration.

Also, you now have the ability to attend a college located anywhere in the U.S. if you desire to do so. That can even hold true in terms of international schools. While it may cost you more as a non-resident, the notion of attending a course at Harvard or any other prestigious institution may justify the added expense.

9 Schools to Consider

If you do cross that barrier and decide that school after retirement is for you, then it boils down to some investigation to determine which institution will make the most sense.

With that in mind, we’ve assembled a short list of some popular college programs across the nation you can review to jumpstart your search for the school that best fits the criteria you’ve establish for yourself.

Note – We start with three top choices from among Texas schools, given we are based in Houston. Keep in mind that under Chapter 54 of the Texas Education Code, the state of Texas empowers colleges and universities to offer eligible senior citizens (age 65 and up) the ability to take up to six hours of free tuition per semester, with certain exemptions and requirements. The same is true for audited courses.

University of Houston

Founded: 1927

Enrollment: 46,700

US World and News Report Ranking of U.S. Institutions (2022/23 edition): 182

Learning Format: Online, Classroom and Combination

Offers: 89 undergraduate degree programs and numerous graduate degree programs.

Learn more about their program for seniors at https://uh.edu/financial/payment/Fee-Waivers/. Keep in mind that books and fees are separate and not covered under the Chapter 54 tuition exemption.

University of Texas at Austin

Founded: 1883

Enrollment: 52,000

US World and News Report Ranking of U.S. Institutions (2022/23 edition): 67

Learning Format: Online, Classroom and Combination

Offers: 170 undergraduate degree programs and 100 graduate degree programs.

Learn more about their program for seniors at https://catalog.utexas.edu/general-information/registration-tuition-and-fees/tuition-and-fees/tuition-exemptions/. Keep in mind that books and fees are separate and not covered under the Chapter 54 tuition exemption.

Texas A&M University

Founded: 1876

Enrollment: 69,000

US World and News Report Ranking of U.S. Institutions (2022/23 edition): 38

Learning Format: Online, Classroom and Combination

Offers: 133 undergraduate degree programs, 175 master’s degree programs, 92 doctoral degree programs and 5 professional degrees.

Learn more about their program for seniors at https://www.tamiu.edu/newsinfo/2015/08/2015-TAMIULearning4Life081715.shtml. Keep in mind that books and fees are separate and not covered under the Chapter 54 tuition exemption.

California State University Los Angeles

Founded: 1947

Enrollment: 26,000

US World and News Report Ranking of U.S. Institutions (2022/23 edition): 24 in Regional Universities West

Learning Format: Online, Classroom and Combination

Offers: 100+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Learn more about their program for seniors at https://www.calstate.edu/attend/paying-for-college/csu-costs/tuition-and-fees/fee-waivers/Pages/other-fee-waivers.aspx.

Clemson University

Founded: 1889

Enrollment: 27,000+

US World and News Report Ranking of U.S. Institutions (2022/23 edition): 77

Learning Format: Online, Classroom and Combination

Offers: 80 undergraduate degree programs and 130 graduate degree programs, including masters and doctoral degree programs.

Learn more about their program for seniors at https://www.clemson.edu/registrar/student-menu/admittance/senior-citizens.html.

Florida Atlantic University

Founded: 1961

Enrollment: 30,000

US World and News Report Ranking of U.S. Institutions (2022/23 edition): 263

Learning Format: Online, Classroom and Combination

Offers: 170 undergraduate degree programs and graduate degree programs

(Known for providing one of the largest adult continuing education programs in the United States which serves over 19,000 senior citizens)

Learn more about their program for seniors at https://www.fau.edu/registrar/registration/sixtyplus/.

University of Delaware

Founded: 1743

Enrollment: Approx. 23,600

US World and News Report Ranking of U.S. Institutions (2022/23 edition): 89

Learning Format: Online, Classroom and Combination

Offers: 150+ (majors and minors) undergraduate degree programs and 250+ graduate degree programs.

Learn more about their program for seniors at https://www.pcs.udel.edu/60-tuition-free-degree/.

University of Maryland at College Park

Founded: 1856

Enrollment: Approx. 40,700

US World and News Report Ranking of U.S. Institutions (2023/23 edition): 55

Learning Format: Online, Classroom and Combination

Offers: 104 undergraduate majors, 115 master and 84 doctoral degree programs.

Learn more about their program for seniors at https://registrar.umd.edu/current/registration/golden-id.html.

Colorado State University

Founded: 1870

Enrollment: Approx. 33,000

US World and News Report Ranking of U.S. Institutions (2021/22 edition): 151

Learning Format: Online, Classroom and Combination

Offers: Nearly 300 academic programs

Learn more about their program for seniors at https://registrar.colostate.edu/lifelong-learners/.

Conclusion

When it comes to going back to school as a senior, there are myriad options and choices across the country, and generally at least a handful of senior-friendly schools in literally every state.

In fact, the majority of states and many colleges or universities offer senior-specific programs and or discounts, with many catering specifically to retirees 55 or 60 and up.

Most offer multiple formats, including online as well as campus-based learning options. And whether you are looking to complete a specific undergraduate or graduate degree, or simply looking to learn something new, the number of programs available are nearly limitless.

While going back to school might be in the cards for you, attending to your retirement needs is what we do.

We can help ensure you are on track with your retirement and utilizing a plan customized to meet your needs, enabling you to focus on going to school, as well as doing other things you envision in your retirement. We can certainly help guide and advise you as you navigate retirement.

Our overall approach is to incorporate a holistic model that considers all your assets, tools and accounts, with a goal of providing a comprehensive plan built specific to your needs and goals in retirement.

If you’re ready to take the next step and talk to a team of financial advisors and retirement planners who put your interests first, Schedule a call today!