Joining the nationwide trend to promote lifelong learning opportunities for everyone, several colleges in North Carolina offer tuition assistance, scholarships and discounted courses for seniors. With options ranging from personal interest and noncredit classes to degree-oriented coursework, North Carolina colleges support the educational goals of those older than 65.
North Carolina Wesleyan College
North Carolina Wesleyan College offers the Silver Scholars Program, which allows those older than 60 to take any course, tuition-free on a non-degree, space available basis. Included in the program are courses offered through the college’s Adult Degree Program and regular undergraduate classes. Anyone meeting the age requirement can enroll for a maximum of six hours per semester. While tuition is waived, students must pay administrative fees and purchase books and materials. Information is available from the college website.
Durham Technical Community College
Durham Technical Community College authorizes a registration fee waiver for one non credit course per semester for any legal resident of North Carolina who is 65 or older. Students are responsible for purchasing books and materials and paying any additional instructional fees relating to the course. Registration information is offered on the college website.
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University in Raleigh offers a tuition-free option for those older than 65 who are not seeking a degree. Senior North Carolina residents can attend any class free during spring and fall, but they must purchase books and other materials. Enrollees are required to show proof of age when registering. The tuition waiver form and other information can be accessed at the college website.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a tuition waiver program for legal residents of the state who are older than 65. Seniors can attend any classes for credit or noncredit, but only on a space available basis. Students may use the tuition waiver for personal interest courses or to pursue degrees ranging from the bachelor’s to the doctorate. Information on the waiver program is provided by the college website.