Exploring the Over 60 Program: A Path to Lifelong Learning
For many senior citizens, the idea of returning to a college campus is a captivating prospect. The California State University (CSU) system offers a remarkable opportunity for qualified older adults through its over 60 program, a fee waiver initiative that makes higher education affordable and accessible. This program is rooted in state education code, reflecting a commitment to lifelong learning within the California community. By understanding the specifics of the program, prospective students can successfully navigate the application process and take advantage of this valuable resource.
Eligibility Requirements and Application
To be eligible for the over 60 program, several key criteria must be met, which may vary slightly across different CSU campuses but share common system-wide standards.
- Age and Residency: Applicants must be California residents and 60 years of age or older by the time the semester begins. If a person turns 60 during a semester, they must wait until the following term to become eligible.
- Admission Standards: The program is not a substitute for standard university admission. Prospective students must meet all regular CSU admission requirements for the degree program they wish to pursue. This involves applying through the Cal State Apply website during the standard application period.
- Program of Study: The fee waiver generally applies to state-supported undergraduate and post-baccalaureate courses. The rules on whether a student can pursue a degree vary by campus, but most require the student to have a declared major.
- Application Process: Once admitted to the university, students must submit a separate waiver request form to their campus's Student Financial Services or Registrar's Office. Deadlines are strict and typically precede the semester's start.
Benefits and Costs of the Fee Waiver
The primary advantage of the over 60 program is the significant reduction in tuition and mandatory campus fees. While it is often described as a "free tuition" program, participants are still responsible for certain costs.
- Waived and Reduced Fees: The waiver typically covers the system-wide tuition fee, application fee, and certain other mandatory fees like the health services fee and instructionally related activities fee. Some smaller, campus-based fees may be reduced to as little as $1.
- Remaining Costs: Students must budget for expenses not covered by the waiver. This includes books, parking permits, lab fees, and other miscellaneous course materials. Some specific fees, like those for student health centers, might be optional but incur an additional charge if the student wishes to use the services.
Restrictions and Limitations
It is important to be aware of the program's limitations to avoid disappointment. The fee waiver is not all-encompassing.
- Course Availability: Enrollment is always on a space-available basis. This means senior students register after all other matriculated students have had their turn, which can significantly limit access to popular courses.
- Exclusions: The waiver does not cover classes or programs offered through the university's Extended Education division, Open University, certificate programs, credential programs, or most graduate programs. It also does not apply to winter or summer sessions, which are typically run through Extended Education.
- Academic Standing: Students in the program are subject to the same academic standards as other students. Failure to maintain a satisfactory GPA could lead to academic probation or disqualification.
Comparison: Over 60 Program vs. OLLI
For older adults interested in learning, the CSU system offers two main avenues: the degree-seeking over 60 program and the non-credit Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). A side-by-side comparison clarifies their differences.
| Feature | Over 60 Program (Fee Waiver) | Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To earn undergraduate or post-baccalaureate credit, working towards a degree. | To provide non-credit courses and learning opportunities for personal enrichment. |
| Eligibility | California residents, 60+, meeting regular university admission standards. | Typically for adults 50 or older; no academic prerequisites. |
| Cost | Waives most tuition, but students pay remaining fees, books, etc.. | Membership-based, with separate fees for courses. |
| Credit | Courses are for academic credit and appear on transcripts. | Non-credit courses; no tests, no grades. |
| Enrollment | Last to register, on a space-available basis. | Open to members, with no priority issues compared to matriculated students. |
| Course Location | Regular university state-supported courses. | Separate catalog of classes, often held on- or off-campus. |
Success Stories and Testimonials
The impact of the CSU's over 60 program is best illustrated through the experiences of those who have participated. Many older adults find a new sense of purpose and intellectual stimulation by returning to the classroom.
One inspiring story is that of Lynn, a participant at Cal State San Bernardino who used the program to build a new business around her passion for sustainability and urban farming after retiring from a career in emergency medical services. She noted the opportunity opened a door to new opportunities at a minimal cost. These success stories highlight the program's potential to foster personal growth, career change, and community connection in later life.
For more information on the overarching CSU policies and guidelines, a good starting point is the official Cal State website on fee waivers: Other Student Fee Waivers | CSU.
Is the Program Right for You?
Deciding whether to pursue the over 60 program depends on individual goals. If the objective is to earn an academic degree or post-baccalaureate credential at a low cost and time is not a pressing factor, the program is a superb choice. The requirement to meet standard admission criteria and the space-available registration may pose challenges, but for dedicated students, this pathway offers an incredible educational value. If the primary goal is simply learning for pleasure without the rigors of exams, grades, or official enrollment, an OLLI membership might be a better fit. The program represents a key component of California's commitment to senior engagement and lifelong intellectual pursuit.
