The new 'kids' on campus

Older adults reap the rewards of free education.

Waking up at the crack of dawn to make that 8 a.m. art history class probably wasn’t anyone’s favorite part of the college experience. But like youth, education is often wasted on the young, and many older adults are eagerly pursuing those things we once viewed with dread.

More than 550,000 U.S. adults aged 50 and older were enrolled in college classes in 2023, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, and postsecondary institutions are making education for these students accessible by offering courses at a low – or even no — cost.

Whether they’re pursuing a degree, learning a new skill, or simply looking for ways to stay active, older adults are proving that education has no age limit. From enhancing cognitive abilities to fostering social connections, the impact of lifelong learning is profound.

Active minds and social lives

A pair of 2019 studies published in the Journals of Gerontology followed a group of people in their 60s, 70s and 80s who enrolled in three “somewhat rigorous” courses simultaneously to discover the effects the courses had on their cognitive abilities and functional independence. The subjects participated in at least 15 hours of class each week, plus homework, over the course of three months and were assessed before, during and after completing the courseload.

After only six weeks, the participants’ scores on tests assessing their thinking and memories had improved significantly, showing they functioned similarly to a person 30 years younger.

In addition to the cognitive benefits, taking classes in retirement can simply be fun. “You get to make friends with people you might otherwise never meet,” said retired police officer Betsy Kreiter, 72, of St. Pete Beach, Florida, a participant in the lifelong learning program at Eckerd College. “It’s important to have a good time. We like to mix it up. Get some history, some art, some culture – then get some food and drinks.”

Whether the attraction is academic, social or both, continuing education can give participants a sense of purpose, and studies show people with a sense of purpose live longer – whether they find that purpose in their 20s or 70s.¹

Different schools, different rules

Costs and course availability vary between schools and even states. At many schools, only tuition is covered – meaning you’ll be on the hook for books and other fees – while others offer classes at a reduced cost for people over a specific age.

In South Carolina, for example, state-funded colleges must allow residents 60 and older to attend classes tuition-free (on a space-available basis, which means you’ll have to wait until the first day of class to secure a spot). New York has a similar law on the books, but classes can only be audited – they won’t count toward a degree.

Even in states where no such laws exist, plenty of colleges offer classes at no or reduced cost to older adults. These schools understand the benefit of having students in seats that would otherwise remain empty. Admitting older adults can not only provide a cash infusion for colleges facing declining enrollment – a nationwide trend since 2010 – but also help create an environment that promotes intergenerational learning.²

To that end, the Age-Friendly University Global Network is a group of more than 120 institutions of higher education committed to including learners of all ages. Some may simply focus on increasing the number of older adults on campus, while others engage with them for health and research initiatives. The Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging at UMass Boston, for example, conducts research on what older adults need and how their communities can provide for them.

Beyond the classroom

While some schools allow retirees to enroll as degree-seeking students, others – like Eckerd College – participate in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI) grant program. This membership-driven program offers a variety of non-credit courses (with no tests or grades) to promote the joy of learning for people 50 and older. With more than 120 participating schools, you’ll find OLLI programs in every state, including at schools like the University of California, Berkeley, Duke University and Northwestern University, which reports an average age of 70 among its OLLI community of learners. The cost for students varies greatly between schools; annual memberships range from $40 to close to $1000.

Each school’s offerings are unique, based on its partnerships, resources and the needs of the local community. Class topics run the gamut, from lifestyle topics like wine etiquette and painting to more academic pursuits like political science and history. One of the many courses Kreiter attended, for instance, was called “Aging Backwards” and involved stretching on yoga mats. She also took an affordable five-day trip to Cuba through the program.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are communities like Lasell Village near Boston or Mirabella at Arizona State University in Tempe that combine senior living and even in-home healthcare with lifelong learning. For an entrance fee of up to $2.5 million for a fully immersive experience and monthly fees starting around $5,000, Mirabella residents live on campus and can attend classes, sporting events and even use the school’s fitness facilities.

Whether you’re auditing classes just for fun or pursuing a doctoral degree, lifelong learning offers a wealth of benefits for students of all ages.

Sources: ¹NPR, ²Eduction Data Initiative