Free College Courses For Seniors In Ohio

Applications are open now for Free College Courses For Seniors In Ohio 2025. You’re always young enough to be a Buckeye at Ohio State University. Ohio residents 60 and older can take free courses and connect with the Ohio State University community through Program 60. 60 Program participants may attend courses on an audit basis at the undergraduate and graduate level, subject to instructor permission, and space available.

Tuition is free, not for credit, and may not count toward a future degree. Some courses may require you to pay the applicable course or lab fee (as described in step 7) and may recommend that you purchase a textbook.

To participate in Program 60, you must be a resident of the state of Ohio for one calendar year and be age 60 or older during the period for which you register and enroll. The program is available at all 60 Ohio State University regional campuses and branches!

Steps to Enroll in Program 60 Free College Courses For Seniors In Ohio

1. Full Program Registration (First Time Only)
2. Activate your Ohio State username and BuckyPass (first time only)
3. Set up your BuckeyeMail account (first time only). Your BuckeyeMail also gives you access to Microsoft Office 365, which up to 60 program participants are eligible to use for free.
4. Search for courses. Choose your favorite campus and semester of attendance. Filter your options by keywords of interest. Opt for distance learning for an online class. Find classes through classes.osu.edu or the university registrar.
5. Tip: Record all information about the course(s) you wish to take, including the subject, course number, class number, and instructor name, in case you are unable to register for the course that semester and will be unable to register for it any other semester. And want to take time.
6. To-do list Once you are enrolled, you will be given a task list to complete the details to complete your registration. This includes signing a statement of financial responsibility, online “U Got This! Sexual Assault Prevention Training”, submitting proof of vaccinations (for on-campus courses), and more.
7. Enroll in your courses by the deadline. For courses that require required classes and for graduation classes, you will need written permission from the instructor using the online form.

If your courses require fees, you will pay the University Bursar’s Office, and you are subject to the same financial responsibility as tuition-paying students.

Program 60 The level of class participation required for students varies per course and instructor expectations. Be sure to check with the instructor or plan to fully participate. After all, you have committed to taking the course and your enrollment prevents anyone else from being able to take the class due to class size limitations.

Also see: University of Queensland Online Courses 2024

Benefits of Program 60

In addition to the amazing learning opportunities and being a part of the OSU community, Program 60 participants will have other benefits.

• 60 program participants are eligible to use Microsoft Office 365 for free with your Buckeyemail address.
• Book Id
• Computer training
• Disability Services
• Access to the library
• RPAC: 60 Program participants can purchase a membership to the Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC) on the Columbus campus.

Note: 60 program participants are not eligible to receive student football tickets due to the University’s policy of credit hours for courses taken on an audit basis.

Program 60’s Columbus campus office is located on the West Campus at Mount Hall in Columbus, Ohio at 1050 Cormack Road. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact us to schedule a visit. Metered visitor parking is offered at the front of the building.

Note: The office remains closed when the university is closed. Check out the full program details here. For information on regional campuses, contact your regional campus program 60 coordinator.

Also see: University of Maryland Online Courses 2024 Free Certificate

Free College Courses for Ohio Seniors: Program 60 and More

Under Ohio State Law 3345.27, residents aged 60 and older can audit college courses at state-supported colleges and universities for free, provided that space is available. This initiative was directed by the Ohio Legislature Senate Bill 497, ensuring senior citizens can access higher education on a non-tuition, non-credit basis.

If you live far from an Ohio State University (OSU) branch, don’t worry! Many local state universities offer similar senior education programs. Below are some notable free senior class programs in Ohio:

1. Project 60 – Cleveland State University
   • Ohio residents aged 60 or older can enroll in courses tuition-free.
   • Students are responsible for covering any additional fees.
2. Sixty-Plus Program – University of Akron
   • Open to Ohio residents aged 60 and above.
   • Allows seniors to audit credit classes without paying tuition.

Whether you’re seeking personal enrichment, lifelong learning, or just want to stay engaged, these programs provide a fantastic opportunity to join a classroom environment without the financial burden.

Other tuition-free online colleges in Ohio include: 

• Ohio University
• Shawnee State University
• Columbus State Community College
• Otterbein University
• Antioch College
• Ohio State University

Upcoming Registration Information for OSU Program 60

Click here to view the registration deadline for next semester.

Free College Courses