Tuition waiver for Tennesseans 60/65+ and totally disabled persons (T.C.A. 49-7-113)
State of Tennessee (Tennessee Board of Regents and public universities; T.C.A. 49-7-113)
Tennesseans 60+ (and totally disabled persons) can audit public-college courses free; those 65+ (and totally disabled persons) can take courses for credit for a service fee of up to $70 per semester at community colleges.
- How much
- Audit: free tuition and mandatory fees (60+ / totally disabled); credit: tuition and mandatory fees waived except a service fee (up to $70 per semester at TBR community colleges) for 65+ / totally disabled
- Who qualifies
- Tennessee residents aged 60+ (audit) or 65+ (credit), or persons with a permanent, total disability
- Domiciled in Tennessee; state-supported colleges and universities only; age reached during the term in which classes begin.
- For adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Apply any time No statewide deadline; per-term enrollment through the college.
- How to apply
- Apply for admission at a Tennessee public college or university and ask the registrar or bursar for the 60/65+ or disability tuition waiver
- Bring proof of age or disability
- What you'll need
- See how to apply
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (policies.tbr.edu)
The details
Under T.C.A. 49-7-113, persons domiciled in Tennessee who are 60 or older (turning 60 during the term), persons with a permanent, total disability, and state-service retirees with 30+ years may audit courses at state-supported colleges with no tuition or mandatory fees. Persons who turn 65 or older during the term, and totally disabled persons, may take courses for credit without tuition or mandatory fees; at TBR community colleges a fee of $70 per semester may be charged. Non-mandatory fees are not waived. Universities set their own service fee, so it varies by school. Enrollment is usually space-available.
More money from Tennessee
- Tennessee HOPE ScholarshipUp to $2,250 per full-time semester (freshman/sophomore) and up to $2,850 per full-time semester (junior/senior) at four-year colleges; up to $1,600 per full-time semester at two-year colleges; summer included (annual maximum up to $8,550)
- Tennessee Nontraditional HOPE ScholarshipUp to $2,250 per full-time semester (freshman/sophomore) and up to $2,850 per full-time semester (junior/senior), including summers
- Ned McWherter Scholars Program$6,000 per academic year ($3,000 state + $3,000 institutional match)
- Middle College Scholarship$2,000 per semester ($4,000 per year)
- Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)Up to $4,000 per year at private four-year/two-year colleges; up to $2,000 per year at public colleges, private career schools and TCATs
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Virginia
- 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.