Ohioans 60 and older can attend college classes for free, giving new meaning to the term "college senior."
- Great for Socialization
- Tuition Free - Small Course Fees
- Keep an Active Lifestyle
Inside a lecture hall at the Ohio State University, students listened intently during Italian 2051, a survey of Italian language literature. Many of them aren’t your typical college co-eds; instead, they’re more experienced. Rosemarie Blais, 78, and Luisa Stefanelli, 71, are among some 350 students over age 60 taking classes at OSU this semester.
“I take all the classes I ever wanted to take and this is my 80th class,” said Blais, who will be 79 next March.
The classes are free through a special program sponsored by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Ohio’s four-year universities and two-year technical schools allow Ohioans age 60 and older to take classes, although participation in limited to classes with space available and must be approved by the instructor. While those enrolled can’t earn college credits, it is an opportunity to keep their skills and minds sharp.
"It motivates me to get out of the house, I meet interesting people, I've studied subjects I've always wanted to study and have never been able to do it,” said Stefanelli. “And I challenge myself. I try to do all the work that the students do. I feel like I've substituted one work for another only in this work I don't get paid and I don't pay."
The Ohio State University began offering continuing education courses for seniors in the 1970s. It became so successful, the state legislature passes a mandate allowing all Ohio residents, at least 60 years old, to take classes at state-funded colleges and universities. While the courses are free, there may be some costs associated with the class, like books, equipment and lab fees.
The seniors at OSU have even formed their own student organization, called the Program 60 Association, and have social events throughout the year.
Stefanelli said she had always been busy and active before she retired and didn’t want to slow down. Instead, she found a way to keep her mind sharp.
"I love being with the young people and it's good to know there are a few other senior citizens that are walking around like me," she said.
For Blais, an OSU alumna, this has been an opportunity to learn for fun. “When I graduated, I was a pupil that had to get their grades, get in, get out, get a job, so I couldn't take all the things that I was really interested in."
Seniors who wish to participate need not be college graduates. The Ohio Department of Higher Education has a list of Ohio colleges and universities that offer free courses to Ohioans over the age of 60.