Penn State's Go-60 Program Explained
Penn State's Go-60 program is the primary avenue for eligible senior citizens to take undergraduate credit courses tuition-free. This program is offered at many of the university's Commonwealth Campuses and is a popular option for lifelong learners. It is essential to understand that this program is not a university-wide benefit that applies automatically to all seniors. Specific requirements must be met, and the benefits are limited in scope.
Eligibility Requirements for the Go-60 Program
To qualify for the Go-60 program and receive a tuition waiver, prospective students must meet several criteria, which vary slightly by campus but generally include:
- Age: You must be at least 60 years of age at the time of enrollment.
- Residency: You must be a Pennsylvania resident. Some campuses specify a service area within which you must reside.
- Employment Status: You must be retired or working less than half-time (typically 20 hours or less per week).
- Student Status: You must be a non-degree seeking student.
- Course Availability: Enrollment is on a space-available basis, meaning senior registrants can sign up only after degree-seeking students.
Program Limitations and Exclusions
While the tuition waiver is a significant benefit, it is not without limitations. Participants in the Go-60 program must be aware of the following restrictions:
- Credit Limit: A maximum of six undergraduate credits (typically two courses) per semester can be taken tuition-free.
- Course Level: The tuition waiver typically applies only to undergraduate courses numbered 001 through 399. Courses at the 400-level or higher are not covered.
- Course Exclusions: The program usually does not apply to non-credit workshops, certificate programs, graduate-level courses, or courses with a travel component.
- Audit vs. Credit: The option to take courses for credit or as an audit can vary by campus. At some locations, only auditing (attending without receiving a grade) is permitted.
- Additional Costs: All other costs, including textbooks, course materials, and student fees, are the responsibility of the student.
The Go-60 Program at different Penn State Campuses
The implementation of the Go-60 program varies by campus. While the core criteria are similar, specific details regarding service area and enrollment procedures differ. For instance, according to a program description from Penn State Berks, eligibility may be limited to specific counties, and registration follows a strict schedule. The program offered at Penn State Behrend also specifies a service area and notes that participants are enrolled as non-degree students and can take classes as an audit. In contrast, the policy for Penn State employees and retirees detailed in HR36 offers a separate tuition discount program, but this is a 75% reduction, not a full waiver, and has different eligibility rules.
Comparison: Go-60 Program vs. Standard Enrollment
| Feature | Go-60 Program for Seniors | Standard Undergraduate Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Free tuition for up to 6 undergraduate credits (100–399 level) per semester. | Full tuition costs apply for all credit hours. |
| Eligibility | Age 60+, retired or working part-time, PA resident. | No age or employment restrictions. Standard admission criteria apply. |
| Enrollment | Non-degree status only; space-available basis. | Degree-seeking status; can enroll before seniors. |
| Course Selection | Limited to undergraduate courses (typically 100–399), excludes travel and non-credit courses. | Access to all course levels, including graduate and non-credit options. |
| Degree/Certificate | Cannot earn a degree or certificate through the program. | Can pursue a degree or certificate upon successful completion. |
| Grades | Can be taken as an audit (no grade) or for credit, depending on the campus. | Receive grades for all courses taken for credit. |
Conclusion
While Penn State does not offer a universal free tuition benefit for all senior citizens, the Go-60 program at its Commonwealth Campuses provides a valuable opportunity for eligible older adults. This program allows participants to take a limited number of undergraduate credit courses each semester on a tuition-free, space-available basis. Prospective students must confirm eligibility criteria, including age, residency, and employment status, with their specific campus registrar's office. It is also important to remember that additional costs for books and fees are not covered by the waiver.
