Program 60 at OSU: Free college courses for seniors

You’re never too old to be a Buckeye at The Ohio State University! Ohio residents age 60 or older can take FREE courses and connect with The Ohio State University community through the Program 60.

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Program 60 participants attend courses on an instructor permission, space-available, audit basis at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

The courses are tuition free, do not count for credit and cannot count towards a future degree. Some courses may require you to pay applicable course or lab fees (as outlined in Step 7) and may suggest you purchase a textbook.

To participate in Program 60, you must have resided in the State of Ohio for one calendar year and be age 60 or older during the term for which you register and enroll.

Program 60 is available at all regional campuses and branches of The Ohio State University!

Steps to Enroll in Program 60 at The Ohio State University

1. Complete program registration (first-time only)
2. Activate Your Ohio State Username and BuckeyePass (first-time only)
3. Set Up Your BuckeyeMail Account (first-time only). Your BuckeyeMail also gives you access to Microsoft Office 365, which Program 60 participants are eligible to use for free.
4. Search for Courses. Select your preferred campus and semester of attendance. Filter your options by keyword of interests. Choose distance learning for an online class. Search for classes using classes.osu.edu or through University Registrar. 
   Tip: Record all information about the course(s) you would like to take, including subject, course number, class number and instructor name, in case you aren’t able to register for the course this semester and wish to take it another time.
5. To Do List. Once you are admitted, you’ll be given an to-do list to finish up details to complete your registration. This may include signing the financial responsibility statement, completing the online “U Got This! Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training”, submitting proof of vaccinations (for on campus courses), and more.
6. Enroll in your courses by the deadline. For courses requiring a prerequisite classes and for graduation classes, you will need written instructor permission using an online form.
7. If fees are required for your courses, you’ll make payment to the University Bursar Office, and are subject to the same financial responsibility as tuition-paying students.

The level of class participation required for Program 60 students varies per course and instructor expectation. Be sure to check with the instructor or plan to participate fully. After all, you made a commitment to taking the course and your enrollment may have prevented someone else from being able to take the class due to class size limitations. 

Upcoming Registration Information for OSU Program 60

Click here to see deadlines for registering for the next semester.

Benefits of Program 60

Besides the amazing learning opportunity and being a part of the OSU community, participants of Program 60 will receive other benefits. 

• Program 60 participants are eligible to use Microsoft Office 365 for free with your Buckeyemail address
• BuckID
• Computer Training
• Disability Services
• Library Access
• RPAC: Program 60 participants may purchase a membership to the Recreational and Physical Activity Center (RPAC)(link is external) on the Columbus campus at a senior rate.

Note: Program 60 participants are not eligible to receive student football tickets due to university policy of credit hours not being received for courses taken on an Audit basis. 

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

Note: the office is closed when the university is closed. See full program details here.

For regional campus information, contact your regional campus Program 60 coordinator.

Senior Offerings at Other State Universities

As directed by Ohio legislature Senate Bill 497, all state-supported colleges and universities to permit senior citizens age 60 or older to attend classes on a non-tuition, noncredit, space available basis.

If you would live too far from an OSU branch, check with your local state university for their senior class offerings.

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