Can You Sit in on College Classes for Free?

Yes, sitting in on, or auditing, college classes for free is possible in some cases, but the availability depends on the institution and the professor. Some universities have formal programs that allow students to audit classes without receiving credit, while others leave it to the discretion of individual professors.

To audit a class means you can sit in on lectures and sometimes participate in class discussions without being responsible for completing assignments or exams. However, not all colleges offer free auditing opportunities, so checking with the institution or professor is important to understand their specific policies.

Below, we'll explain how you can sit in on college classes for free, what the best schools for auditing for free are, and which courses you should try to audit.

Going to College Classes for Free

In order to audit a college course for free, you'll need to follow a few steps and do some research as well. Below, we highlight where to find free courses and how to enroll in them.

Contact the Institution's Registrar or Department

Reach out to the college's registrar or relevant department to inquire about their auditing policies. They can provide information on whether auditing is allowed, any associated costs, and the process for requesting permission from the professor.

Reach Out to the Professor Directly

If no formal auditing policy exists, contact the professor of the class you're interested in. Politely explain your interest in auditing the course and ask if they would allow you to sit in on their class for free. Some professors may welcome the additional interest, provided it doesn't disrupt the class.

Inquire at Community Colleges

Explore auditing opportunities at local community colleges, which often provide more accessible and affordable options for learners. Many community colleges allow individuals to audit classes for free or at a low cost. Check with the institution about adult education or auditing programs.

Explore Massive Open Online Courses

Take advantage of online platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Udemy, which offer free access to a wide variety of college-level courses. These platforms feature topics ranging from computer science to humanities and are often taught by professors from top universities. While certificates may come with a fee, most courses can be audited for free.

Look Into Lifelong Learning Programs

Consider lifelong learning or continuing education programs offered by some universities, which may allow adults to audit undergraduate courses for free. These programs are often designed for non-traditional students or older adults seeking low-pressure educational experiences. Check with local colleges, especially if you are over the age of 50, to see if they offer such opportunities.

Best College Classes To Sit in on for Free

When considering which classes to audit, think about your personal goals and interests. Whether you're looking to gain a competitive edge in your career, develop a new skill, or learn about an entirely new subject, there are plenty of valuable classes available across different disciplines.

Introductory Computer Science and Programming

With technology rapidly changing, gaining basic computer science and programming skills is invaluable. Many colleges offer introductory courses on programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++, as well as courses on web development or data science.

These courses are often highly practical and can help you develop valuable skills that are applicable across numerous industries.

Psychology

Understanding human behavior and cognition is essential not only for psychology majors but also for professionals in various fields such as business, education, and healthcare. Sitting in on an introductory psychology class can give you insights into human interactions, motivation, and mental health, all of which can enhance your personal and professional life.

Business and Entrepreneurship

Business courses, particularly those focused on entrepreneurship, marketing, or financial literacy, can be highly beneficial for individuals looking to start their own business or improve their financial acumen. Topics such as budgeting, investing, and business planning are practical skills that can be applied in both personal and professional contexts.

Art and Design

If you're creatively inclined, auditing an art or design course could inspire new artistic techniques or even new career opportunities. Courses in digital media, graphic design, or traditional fine arts offer a low-risk way to explore a passion, develop a new hobby, or enhance your professional portfolio.

History or Political Science

For those interested in current events, politics, or global affairs, auditing history or political science classes can offer a deeper understanding of the world. These subjects often help provide context for contemporary issues, enabling you to better understand geopolitical developments or social movements.

Foreign Languages

Learning a new language is a fantastic way to boost your communication skills and open doors to new cultures. Auditing a foreign language class can help you develop basic conversational abilities or advance your existing skills. Spanish, Mandarin, French, and German are commonly offered languages, but more specialized options are available at larger universities.

Best Schools for Auditing Free College Courses

If you're wondering where to start, several institutions are known for their flexible or open auditing policies, making it easier to sit in on classes for free. Whether you're looking for in-person experiences or online access to world-class lectures, these schools provide excellent opportunities.

MIT OpenCourseWare

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers one of the most well-known platforms for auditing classes for free through its OpenCourseWare program. While these courses are online, they include materials, lecture notes, and sometimes even video lectures from MIT's actual classes.

You don't need to enroll or pay a fee-everything is available for self-paced learning. This is an ideal option for those looking to audit courses in engineering, computer science, and other technical fields.

Harvard University's Professional and Lifelong Learning

While Harvard typically charges tuition for audited classes, its Professional and Lifelong Learning website offers free access to its lectures and resources through its open courses. This program caters to adult learners and non-traditional students, and they frequently release lecture videos for a variety of classes in subjects like literature, history, and business.

University of Washington

The University of Washington allows state residents aged 60 and over to audit courses for free through its ACCESS program. Seniors can attend classes without earning credit, making it a great opportunity for lifelong learners interested in a diverse array of subjects ranging from humanities to STEM fields.

Community Colleges

Many local community colleges offer free or very low-cost auditing options, especially for in-state residents. Some community colleges provide senior citizens or adult learners the ability to audit courses at no charge.

Examples include Los Angeles City College (LACC) and City College of San Francisco, both of which offer affordable education options to the public. Contact your local community college to learn about specific auditing policies.

The University of California System

Some UC campuses, such as UC Berkeley, have programs that allow senior citizens to audit courses for free. In addition, alumni or members of the community may have opportunities to sit in on classes if there's space available. The UC system is especially popular for those interested in auditing courses related to social sciences, arts, and law.

Audit Courses for Free Today

If you want to sit in on courses for free, check out the degree programs that we've included on Learn.org. Reach out to the schools that have programs that interest you to learn more about auditing college courses for free.