Arkansas Tuition Waiver for Students 60 and Older
Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE)
Arkansas residents 60 or older can take credit courses at Arkansas public colleges without paying tuition/general student fees, on a space-available basis.
- How much
- Tuition (general student fees) waived; other fees vary by college
- Who qualifies
- Age 60 or older
- Arkansas resident age 60 or older (by the last day of regular registration at some colleges); admitted to a state-supported Arkansas institution; credit courses only; space available.
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, grad students
- When to apply
- Apply any time Each term at registration; space-available
- How to apply
- Apply for admission to an Arkansas public college, show proof of age, and ask the registrar or financial aid office for the senior citizen (60+) waiver
- Register just before the term starts (space available)
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (catalog.uark.edu) and page 2
The details
Under Ark. Code 6-60-204, state-supported Arkansas colleges and universities waive general student fee (tuition) charges for residents 60 or older admitted and enrolled in credit courses, on a space-available basis in existing classes. Colleges apply it differently: the University of Arkansas catalog says tuition and fees are waived for on-campus courses and waiver students register just before the term; UA Fort Smith says the waiver covers tuition but students still pay two mandatory fees. Other charges (lab, special course, graduation fees, etc.) are generally not covered.
More money from Arkansas
- Governor's Scholars Program - Distinguished ScholarsUp to $10,000 per academic year for 4 years ($40,000 total)
- Arkansas Washington Center ScholarshipUp to $6,000 (one-time)
- Arkansas Academic Challenge ScholarshipYear 1 $2,000; Years 2-3 $4,000; Year 4 $5,000 at a four-year college (two-year: $2,000 / $3,000 / $1,500 5th semester); plus Challenge PLUS for SAI 7,999 or below, up to $2,500 per semester total
- Governor's Scholars Program - Achievement ScholarsUp to $5,000 per academic year for 4 years ($20,000 total)
- Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)Up to $4,000 (spring-summer or spring-fall) or $2,750 (spring only), incl. student stipend up to $1,250
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.