Audit a college course.
Many public colleges waive fees or reduce them significantly for older adults to audit classes on their campuses. Alaska residents 65 and over, for example, can audit for free any University of Alaska course that has space by signing up on the first day of classes. And some Colorado universities waive tuition for older students who want to audit courses.

Consider community college.
Some community colleges offer discounts for older learners. Even the schools that don’t may be a cost-effective option for continuing education. Credit hours for residents at community colleges can cost less than half the in-state tuition at four-year colleges.

Check into OLLI.
There are more than 100 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute programs throughout the country that coordinate with colleges to offer non-credit classes specifically designed for learners 50 and over. The cost of OLLI membership, which typically includes about three courses per term, can range from $60 per year to nearly $1,000, depending on the program. Most programs offer scholarships or financial assistance.

Let your employer pay.
If you’re interested in learning a skill or earning a degree that will help you at work, check with your HR team about whether the company offers education benefits that could help offset the cost. Eight in 10 employers cover formal training or education for employees to keep skills current, while nearly half provide tuition assistance, according to the Society for Human Resource Management.

Check out SeniorPlanet.org.
Senior Planet from AARP offers classes—both online and in person, through community centers and other locations—that help older adults learn technology skills to stay connected with friends and family, save money, exercise and more.