Senior Citizen Education Program

Overview

Minnesota State University, Mankato offers a Senior Citizen Education Program that allows Minnesota residents age 62 or older to take college classes either for credit (with a low administrative fee) or to audit classes when space is available after other students register. This article summarizes the program and outlines the application process. 

Senior Citizen Education Program  

Who Can Use This Program 

  • You must be 62 years old or older  
  • You must be a Minnesota resident 
  • Proof of age and residency may be required when you apply  

What the Program Allows You to Do 

  • Take college classes for credit (you earn a grade) 
  • Audit classes (you attend and learn but do not earn grades) 
  • Enroll only if space is available after tuition-paying students register  

How the Process Works 

Apply for Senior Citizen Status 

  • Submit the Senior Citizen Status Application along with Photo ID (including date of birth) 
  • This confirms your age and Minnesota residency 
  • You apply through Minnesota State Mankato before registering for classes  

Choose the Type of Class 

  • Option A: Take a Class for Credit 
    • You attend class, do assignments, and receive a grade 
    • You pay a $20 administrative fee per credit 
    • You also pay some required fees (health services, technology, student union, etc.)
  • Option B: Audit a Class 
    • You attend class but no tests or grades 
    • No $20 administrative fee 
    • You usually pay only the health service fee 
    • This option is popular if you want to learn without pressure  

Register When Space Is Available 

  • Seniors register after regular students 
  • Not all classes will have open seats 
  • Admission depends on available space 

Pay Required Fees 

Even though tuition is waived: 

  • You must pay administrative and standard fees (depending on class type) 
  • You are responsible for:  
  • Books 
  • Lab materials 
  • Any special course supplies  

Attend Classes and Learn 

  • Once registered and billed, you simply attend class 
  • There is no limit to how many semesters you can participate 
  • There is no income limit to qualify  

Important Things to Remember 

  • This program is not free tuition, but it is greatly reduced 
  • Classes are space available, so flexibility helps 
  • You must re register each term as a senior student 
  • Fees may change slightly from year to year 

More Resources 

Still Need Help?

Contact the Registration Help Desk or call 507-389-2252.   

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