California State University System: Free Tuition for California Residents 60+
Education Code 89330 authorizes the popular Cal State system to provide free tuition for senior citizens. Each campus must grant tuition waivers to California residents aged 60 and older. Waived fees include those for tuition, applications, health services, and instructional-related activities.
Seniors can enroll in regular-session, undergraduate-level courses in subjects such as art, the humanities, agriculture, and computer studies.
I turn 68 tomorrow and I was talking to my daughters about my interest in returning to university. I live in the state of California. I was just at a training with one of my mentors Dr, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, she just took the LSATS at 80 and is considering getting a law degree. Wild snd fun!
I am Canadian and my PhD thesis back in the late 1990s focused on older learners going back to school for an undergraduate degree at University of Toronto. All of the people I met were in their 80s and their stories touched me in many ways. Some were children of the depression, some were soldiers, some were female… diverse backgrounds with diverse reasons for wanting a university education.
Happy to see that in 2025 this is much more common!
This essay landed squarely when I needed it! I recently recalled that my state has such a program and wondered if I should look into it. I don't think I'll go for a PhD but I might complete that pesky undergrad degree I never got, but the absence of which has always eliminated me from multiple positions even though I hold a masters degree in education. (I'm currently an English adjunct at my local community college.) Thanks for the nudge!
Congratulations on a fine achievement, Thomas! And thank you for the specifics you provide about your experience. Those stipends for teaching are pretty cool! I went back to school at 52 to earn a Masters and that experience of being in classes with 21-year-olds was interesting. Unfortunately, that degree cost me 40K. I keep thinking about the PhD option, now that I'm "of age."
This is very inspiring. I earned my BA and MA decades ago. I prefer attending classes in person instead of remote classwork. At age 74, I wonder if there would be a place for me. I live in Washington D.C., and have a background in public and national security affairs.
Lenora: I just googled "does washington d.c. offer tuition remission". The response: D.C. does not offer tuition remission. However, some residents can get tuition assistance. Check it out.
Congratulations Tom! I love your enthusiasm and love of learning. I’d like to add that for those of us in states not on your list, some colleges will allow students over 65 to audit classes. It doesn’t lead to a degree but at least it’s something. I went back for my masters in fine arts in my late 50s at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Since I am still working I attended part time and it took me nearly a decade to finish my coursework and thesis, but that thesis became The Bulgarian Training Manual, a novel that made its appearance in bookstores four months after I turned 70. (My essay about it was published here over the summer). I too found losing the campus email an unexpectedly hard adjustment. Maybe you will find another teaching gig or even create a private class. You’ve got a lot more to do!
My husband takes art classes - printmaking and ceramics - at a local community college. You can take up to 2 credit classes per semester for free if you are over 65. It keeps him grounded and focused and gives him joy. He thought about pursuing a degree but doesn’t want to take all the core classes or be the old guy in class. In the arts his classes are filled with mostly oldsters so it’s also time for social interaction as many have been in class with him for the past 8 years and are if not friends very good acquaintances. He is lucky to have this. I retired this year and am struggling but they have no classes that interest me currently.
I just subscribed to Oldster Magazine simply so I could like this post. I wish I could like it a hundred times. As a 40-year-old who will finally be completing a bachelor's degree in December, I am so unbelievably inspired by this. Congratulations, Dr. Lombardo!
Wonderful! I love that you were in no rush to complete the dissertation! I’m currently taking advantage of the Maryland “Golden ID” program, pursuing a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and Design at the main campus in College Park. Apparently, each school in the MD system has slightly different rules. At mine, you must be over 60 and not working more than 20 hours a week, with no requirement to be collecting social security. And, you can seek a degree in the state funded departments. It’s been one of the best things I’ve done in my life and it was unexpected; it’s been so stimulating and I’m hoping that my research as a “scholar-advocate” will help my community. I’ve finished my coursework and just this month advanced to candidacy after an intense week of exams. It was VERY different physically ramping up for three consecutive 24 hour written exams followed by a two hour oral exam at 62! But like you, I might slow down and take my time now, and hopefully teach a class or two!
Congratulations! You’ve survived the Hell of those oral and written qualifying exams. The tension and anxiety of those exams — and if you pass that’s your price to move past Purgatory. Relax. The dissertation should be Heavenly fun.
I have a similar path as his: in medical writing and health literacy editing, after becoming a nurse, but an English major at heart, I was able to blend the 2 (probably even did some articles on WebMD :)). Recently I decided to renew my nursing license 1 more time to hit that 50 yr mark, and that decision led to integrative nursing, led to free online courses for CEUs, and to considering a legit degree, so now this article is reinforcing. Plus I LOVE intergenerational populations, cause gosh I hate talking about illnesses with my peers :):) Sometimes over lunches I feel like I should be taking medical notes!
So fun to see my old (literally) pal Tom contributing to The Oldster Magazine. He has been an inspiration to his other old pals (literally, me) as an example of how to maintain a lively mind if you're determined to do so. He didn't mention it, but I will: His dissertation was on the subject of elegy and death masks in poetry, which is a brave choice for a man of our ages! As if we don't hear enough dirges and attend enough memorial services, already. And yet Tom is among the liveliest guys I know. He'll probably outlive us all. Georgia State is missing out by not including him in the faculty. He has so much to teach us, about so many subjects.
Great article and well written. I say "Whoohoo!" To a senior life well lived and well earned. I'm 81 and only got my Bachelor's degree at age 32, but I did it because everyone working for me had their MBAs. Didn't need it anymore in Corporate America at that time, and I was a single mother. No time. I've lived in Mexico for 30 years now and take as many online classes as I can, but not with a goal of a degree, just a hungry desire for continual learning. Thanks for sharing, Thomas. Blue
From my table in the posting:
California State University System: Free Tuition for California Residents 60+
Education Code 89330 authorizes the popular Cal State system to provide free tuition for senior citizens. Each campus must grant tuition waivers to California residents aged 60 and older. Waived fees include those for tuition, applications, health services, and instructional-related activities.
Seniors can enroll in regular-session, undergraduate-level courses in subjects such as art, the humanities, agriculture, and computer studies.
This is amazing.
I turn 68 tomorrow and I was talking to my daughters about my interest in returning to university. I live in the state of California. I was just at a training with one of my mentors Dr, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, she just took the LSATS at 80 and is considering getting a law degree. Wild snd fun!
Prajna:
Happy 68th Birthday! Keep at it. Go for the next degree!
I am Canadian and my PhD thesis back in the late 1990s focused on older learners going back to school for an undergraduate degree at University of Toronto. All of the people I met were in their 80s and their stories touched me in many ways. Some were children of the depression, some were soldiers, some were female… diverse backgrounds with diverse reasons for wanting a university education.
Happy to see that in 2025 this is much more common!
This essay landed squarely when I needed it! I recently recalled that my state has such a program and wondered if I should look into it. I don't think I'll go for a PhD but I might complete that pesky undergrad degree I never got, but the absence of which has always eliminated me from multiple positions even though I hold a masters degree in education. (I'm currently an English adjunct at my local community college.) Thanks for the nudge!
Anyone who is an English adjunct at a community college has my admiration and my sympathy.
Mine, too.
Thank you. Both are accepted gratefully!
All of you who are familiar with Adjuncts and their work, may enjoy a Web Series that filmmaker @MackleenDesravines created!
I am an actor who personally featured as a lead in every episode 1-10 of Season 1, *except* episode 7
of “The Adjuncts”, filmed here in Georgia. We so enjoyed Mackleen’s stellar writing.
The following season, Season 2, Mackleen decided to cast a nearly all-minority cast. Strong cast!
Both seasons are fun to watch, and touching!
Just Google for links, and/or hit up
Mackleen Desravines on social media.
CONGRATULATIONS to all who pursue higher education. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Special kudos to the author on his PhD!!!
Great interview! Missouri State has a similar free tuition program—just no PhDs. I have loved having “older” students in class. They are excellent!
Congratulations on a fine achievement, Thomas! And thank you for the specifics you provide about your experience. Those stipends for teaching are pretty cool! I went back to school at 52 to earn a Masters and that experience of being in classes with 21-year-olds was interesting. Unfortunately, that degree cost me 40K. I keep thinking about the PhD option, now that I'm "of age."
This is very inspiring. I earned my BA and MA decades ago. I prefer attending classes in person instead of remote classwork. At age 74, I wonder if there would be a place for me. I live in Washington D.C., and have a background in public and national security affairs.
Lenora: I just googled "does washington d.c. offer tuition remission". The response: D.C. does not offer tuition remission. However, some residents can get tuition assistance. Check it out.
Congratulations Tom! I love your enthusiasm and love of learning. I’d like to add that for those of us in states not on your list, some colleges will allow students over 65 to audit classes. It doesn’t lead to a degree but at least it’s something. I went back for my masters in fine arts in my late 50s at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Since I am still working I attended part time and it took me nearly a decade to finish my coursework and thesis, but that thesis became The Bulgarian Training Manual, a novel that made its appearance in bookstores four months after I turned 70. (My essay about it was published here over the summer). I too found losing the campus email an unexpectedly hard adjustment. Maybe you will find another teaching gig or even create a private class. You’ve got a lot more to do!
Even if you're not on the list, there is an article about options in all 50 states:
https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/retirement/t065-s001-free-or-cheap-college-for-retirees-in-all-50-state/index.html
Jenn, thanks for updating that state-by-state list.
Thank you!
My husband takes art classes - printmaking and ceramics - at a local community college. You can take up to 2 credit classes per semester for free if you are over 65. It keeps him grounded and focused and gives him joy. He thought about pursuing a degree but doesn’t want to take all the core classes or be the old guy in class. In the arts his classes are filled with mostly oldsters so it’s also time for social interaction as many have been in class with him for the past 8 years and are if not friends very good acquaintances. He is lucky to have this. I retired this year and am struggling but they have no classes that interest me currently.
Congrats - what a stimulating start to life’s 4th quarter! Yes, you have a future!
I just subscribed to Oldster Magazine simply so I could like this post. I wish I could like it a hundred times. As a 40-year-old who will finally be completing a bachelor's degree in December, I am so unbelievably inspired by this. Congratulations, Dr. Lombardo!
A hundred likes back to you. Congrats on your degree!
Thank you!
I agree! Yay!
Wonderful! I love that you were in no rush to complete the dissertation! I’m currently taking advantage of the Maryland “Golden ID” program, pursuing a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and Design at the main campus in College Park. Apparently, each school in the MD system has slightly different rules. At mine, you must be over 60 and not working more than 20 hours a week, with no requirement to be collecting social security. And, you can seek a degree in the state funded departments. It’s been one of the best things I’ve done in my life and it was unexpected; it’s been so stimulating and I’m hoping that my research as a “scholar-advocate” will help my community. I’ve finished my coursework and just this month advanced to candidacy after an intense week of exams. It was VERY different physically ramping up for three consecutive 24 hour written exams followed by a two hour oral exam at 62! But like you, I might slow down and take my time now, and hopefully teach a class or two!
Congratulations! You’ve survived the Hell of those oral and written qualifying exams. The tension and anxiety of those exams — and if you pass that’s your price to move past Purgatory. Relax. The dissertation should be Heavenly fun.
I have a similar path as his: in medical writing and health literacy editing, after becoming a nurse, but an English major at heart, I was able to blend the 2 (probably even did some articles on WebMD :)). Recently I decided to renew my nursing license 1 more time to hit that 50 yr mark, and that decision led to integrative nursing, led to free online courses for CEUs, and to considering a legit degree, so now this article is reinforcing. Plus I LOVE intergenerational populations, cause gosh I hate talking about illnesses with my peers :):) Sometimes over lunches I feel like I should be taking medical notes!
So fun to see my old (literally) pal Tom contributing to The Oldster Magazine. He has been an inspiration to his other old pals (literally, me) as an example of how to maintain a lively mind if you're determined to do so. He didn't mention it, but I will: His dissertation was on the subject of elegy and death masks in poetry, which is a brave choice for a man of our ages! As if we don't hear enough dirges and attend enough memorial services, already. And yet Tom is among the liveliest guys I know. He'll probably outlive us all. Georgia State is missing out by not including him in the faculty. He has so much to teach us, about so many subjects.
Love it.
Great article and well written. I say "Whoohoo!" To a senior life well lived and well earned. I'm 81 and only got my Bachelor's degree at age 32, but I did it because everyone working for me had their MBAs. Didn't need it anymore in Corporate America at that time, and I was a single mother. No time. I've lived in Mexico for 30 years now and take as many online classes as I can, but not with a goal of a degree, just a hungry desire for continual learning. Thanks for sharing, Thomas. Blue
Congratulations! This is such an inspiring post for us Oldsters!