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.