Best Online Degrees for Seniors (65+) Looking To Make a Career Move

<p>It's not too late to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/65_too_old_college.html">take college courses at 65</a>. If you're a senior citizen and 65 years of age or older seeking continuing education options, consider the many online programs available for you. Through online education, adult learners can take college courses, resulting in learning new skills and the start of the next chapter of your life. </p> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/go_to_college_as_adult.html">Going back to college</a> as an older adult can be easily done since so many colleges reduce or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/free_college_after_50.html">eliminate tuition cost for seniors</a>. </p> <h2 id="section---BestDegreesForOlderAdults">Best Degrees for Older Adults</h2> <p>Some of the best degrees for older students consist of computer science, healthcare, and the humanities. Those choosing distance learning by taking part in online degree programs can gain the credit courses needed for the degree of your choice. </p> <p>Thankfully, there are 15 excellent colleges which provide online classes to help you achieve a college degree. </p> <h3 id="section---1.FranklinUniversity">1. Franklin University</h3> <p>According to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/franklin_university_tuition.html">Franklin University</a>, some of the most in-demand jobs consist of computer science, personal finance planning, and advertising. At Franklin University, online college credit courses are offered to those who choose online learning. </p> <p>Older college students have the ability to select coursework and online programs to receive associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. </p> <h3 id="section---2.UniversityOfMinnesota">2. University of Minnesota</h3> <p>The <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/University_of_Minnesota.html">University of Minnesota</a> provides a senior citizen education program for those 62 and older. Those who meet the age requirement can enroll in courses. </p> <p>If you participate in the program, you can take advantage of the reduced cost of tuition. Additionally, financial aid options are offered for those seeing a bachelor's or master's degree program. </p> <h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfSouthCarolina">3. University of South Carolina</h3> <p>At the <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/University_of_South_Carolina.html">University of South Carolina</a>, people who are at least 60 years of age can utilize the state's free tuition waiver. The university provides tuition exemption based on the credit hours taken. </p> <p>To continue receiving a tuition waiver, you must remain in good academic standing. Those seeking undergrad or grad school enrollment may consider the University of South Carolina. </p> <h3 id="section---4.IvyTechCommunityCollege">4. Ivy Tech Community College</h3> <p>The senior scholar program offered at Ivy Tech Community College allows those 60 years of age or older to take part in benefits such as tuition-free courses for high school graduates, first time college attendees, as well as those seeking a master's degree. </p> <p>Only credit courses are covered as part of the senior scholar program. Some of the courses seniors can consider include are combined in a catalog such as psychology, accounting, and data analytics. </p> <h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfArkansas">5. University of Arkansas</h3> <p>Undergraduate senior admission at the University of Arkansas requires adult learners to reside in the state, have a high school diploma or GED, and be at least 60 years of age. Those admitted to the university can take advantage of the open enrollment for tuition-free college courses available. </p> <h3 id="section---6.UniversityOfArizona">6. University of Arizona</h3> <p>Online college courses are offered to senior citizens at the <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/University_of_Arizona.html">University of Arizona</a>. The school offers a lifelong learning institute available to adults over 50. </p> <p>In addition to this, the university offers the same options for on-campus students as seniors who participate in online programs. This allows you to recognize you are receiving the same education as those attending classes in-person. </p> <h3 id="section---7.DakotaCountyTechnicalCollege">7. Dakota County Technical College</h3> <p>Located in Minnesota, Dakota County Technical College offers a tuition waiver for senior citizens. However, the waiver only applies to credit-based classes only. </p> <p>These courses are offered if space is available. Depending on the rules of the university, tuition waivers may only be offered to students attending classes in-person. </p> <h3 id="section---8.LibertyUniversity">8. Liberty University</h3> <p>Older student learners can achieve a bachelor's degree or master's degree at <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Liberty_University.html">Liberty University</a>. Online bachelor's degrees are obtainable for numerous programs you can select. </p> <p>This private, nonprofit university offers over 600 online degrees and does not require standardized testing for admission. Tuition assistance is also provided to seniors at Liberty University. </p> <h3 id="section---9.UniversityOfNebraskaLincoln">9. University of Nebraska, Lincoln</h3> <p>At the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, seniors can find full-time options and benefits. For instance, the university offers a senior learning passport program. </p> <p>Those age 65 or older can attend undergraduate courses if seats are available. This allows you to learn a new skill or become more knowledgeable in a subject interesting to you. </p> <h3 id="section---10.SouthernNewHampshireUniversity">10. Southern New Hampshire University</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Southern_New_Hampshire_University.html">Southern New Hampshire University</a> offers online degrees for senior citizens to achieve at their own pace. At the school, general online courses are available for older students which allow them to engage in discussion posts. </p> <p>Additionally, weekly assignments and readings may be completed during the day or at night, depending on your schedule. This allows for extra flexibility. Online tuition and financial assistance is offered by the financial literacy team at the school, helping senior citizens. </p> <h3 id="section---11.UniversityOfNorthTexas">11. University of North Texas</h3> <p>Online learning options are offered at the <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/University_of_North_Texas.html">University of North Texas</a>. This school provides 1,816 online courses with 87 online degree programs for seniors to consider. </p> <p>The University of North Texas allows senior citizen exemption for students age 65 years or older. The school allows senior citizens to take advantage of waivers for virtual learning options for 114 degrees including applied arts, communications, and finance. </p> <h3 id="section---12.CityUniversityOfNewYork">12. City University of New York</h3> <p>City University of New York allows older adult learners to consider the recognition for prior learning. With courses offered to students at every stage of life, the university provides diverse resources consisting of tuition vouchers and reimbursement programs. </p> <p>Seniors at City University of New York can engage in academic programs consisting of health and human services, education, and business management. </p> <h3 id="section---13.VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity">13. Virginia Commonwealth University</h3> <p>At the <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Virginia_Commonwealth_University.html">Virginia Commonwealth University</a>, higher education options are available for senior citizens. Students may take up to three non-credit courses per semester. </p> <p>Tuition waivers are offered for senior citizens and courses to take consist of English, health administration, and communications. </p> <h3 id="section---14.UniversityOfPhoenix">14. University of Phoenix</h3> <p>At the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/university_of_phoenix_acceptance_rates.html">University of Phoenix</a>, older adult learners can earn online degrees and certificates. Senior citizens can select courses which align with your career path, learning new skills along the way. </p> <p>Careers at the school are focused primarily in the following areas: </p> <ul><li><a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Business_FAQs.html">business</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Medical_and_Health_FAQs.html">healthcare</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Teaching_and_School_Administration_FAQs.html">education</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Computer_Science_FAQs.html">technology</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Nursing_FAQs.html">nursing</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Psychology_and_Behavioral_Science_FAQs.html">psychology</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Behavioral_Science.html">behavioral science</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Criminal_Justice_FAQs.html">criminal justice</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Liberal_Arts_and_Sciences_FAQs.html">liberal arts</a> </li></ul><h3 id="section---15.UniversityOfWashington">15. University of Washington</h3> <p>Numerous online degrees are available at the <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/University_of_Washington.html">University of Washington</a> including programming marketing, and social work. Whether you're seeking a bachelor's or master's degree, the school offers a wide range of online programs and classes. </p> <p>You can select specific online courses which coincide with your new career path. Online degrees also offered include master's programs such as library and information sources, finance, and healthcare. </p> <h2 id="section---WhyGoBackToSchoolAsAnOlderAdult">Why Go Back to School As an Older Adult?</h2> <p>Some older adults seek higher education to begin a new career, learn a new skill or more about a particular subject, or to fulfill the dream of achieving a college degree. Seniors may choose to begin a new career path, requiring a person to participate in a degree program. </p> <p>Unfortunately, over time some seniors may desire a better job, especially if social security benefits begin to dissipate. </p> <h2 id="section---CanSeniorsGoToCollegeOnlineForFree">Can Seniors Go to College Online for Free?</h2> <p>There are some colleges which have tuition free programs or offer free courses for senior citizens. Additionally, there are tuition waivers to take advantage of as well. </p> <p>There are also <a href="https://learn.org/articles/pay_for_college_as_adult.html">grants and scholarships</a> available for those who are going back to school as an adult. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToAccessFreeAffordableCoursesForSeniors">How To Access Free &amp; Affordable Courses for Seniors</h2> <p>You can access free and affordable courses for seniors by utilizing the resources available to you. Those seeking an online degree will become accustomed to the computer skills required to research information for your classes. </p> <p>Once you find a school you wish to attend, contact them to learn about their affordable courses offered for senior citizens. Search colleges with accreditation and those considered nonprofit as well. </p> <h2 id="section---ScholarshipsForSeniors">Scholarships for Seniors</h2> <p>Seniors are also available for certain scholarships. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) members may be eligible for certain scholarships and financial aid. Scholarships may be tailored for specific college programs.</p>