Overview: California State University’s system offers a program called the Over 60 program for residents ages 60 and over to enroll in regular class courses without additional fees. Students in the program can enroll for $13.50 for the semester, covering universities such as California State University-Fresno, Dominguez Hills, and San Bernardino. The program allows returning students to finish their academic journey and explore new endeavors. Lynn Summers, a recent graduate, found the program to be a new opportunity after retirement and excelled in her studies. The program does not cover books, parking, or lab fees, and does not apply to classes or programs through the College of Extended and Global Education or the summer and winter sessions.
Jordan Thomas
The California State University’s system offers a program that allows fee waivers for California residents ages 60 and over to enroll in regular class courses without the cost that can come with additional fees. The regular requirements for admission are still to be adhered to through Cal State Apply. Presently, students in the Over 60 program can enroll for $13.50 for the semester.
The program only allows for the fall and spring semesters and covers a number of universities throughout the CSU system including California State University-Fresno, Dominguez Hills, and San Bernardino. Other universities such as Los Angeles and Fullerton no longer offer the program as of May 2023.
The program allows individuals to continue (or in other cases, begin) their academic journey and college education. It provides returning students a major opportunity to finish what was started, explore new endeavors, and strive for more for oneself through the opportunities it will allow when executed carefully and strategically.
Lynn Summers, a recent graduate, entrepreneur, and owner of Summersprep LLC, completed her BA Degree in Business Administration in December after returning to college after retiring from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Fontana. Lynn enrolled at California State University, San Bernardino and studied entrepreneurship, accounting, and finance. What she particularly found enjoyable was an improv class, “I enjoyed the improv class because at my age, life isn’t always linear and we should always be able to pivot and be relaxed.”
Lynn excelled as a returning student. She is a recipient of the Belva Holder Memorial Scholarship. As an entrepreneurship student, she built a company that offers services in urban farming, sustainability, emergency preparedness, and permaculture design. Her passion for farming, sustainability, and preparation skills comes from her 30 years of experience as an emergency medical service (EMS) and safety officer at Kaiser Hospital.
Through experience and education Lynn was able to create a business around what she is passionate about, providing necessary services to those willing to learn. According to Lynn, after retirement, the reduced tuition program opened up a new opportunity for her, especially to have it at a cost of about $13 per semester.
The Over 60 program does not include books, parking, or lab fees associated with any courses. Residents turning 60 during a semester that is already in session will not be added until the beginning of the following semester. The program does not apply to any classes or programs through the College of Extended and Global Education or the summer and winter sessions.
For more information contact California State University, San Bernardino: (909) 537-7671.