If you’re 55 or older and have ever wanted to take a college class just for the experience, Colorado State University has an unusual opportunity.
Through CSU’s Lifelong Learner program, adults age 55 and older can visit eligible classes without paying tuition. You won’t earn college credit or a grade, but you can attend courses that interest you without taking on a normal tuition bill.
You don’t even have to be a Colorado resident according to CSU’s published eligibility rules. However, this is an on-campus opportunity at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, and CSU Online courses aren’t included.
Here’s how it works.
Who Qualifies as a Lifelong Learner?
Generally, you need to be:
55 years old or older.
There’s one exception worth knowing about.
If you’ll turn 55 by the end of the term in which you want to begin participating, CSU says the department can decide whether to accept you as a Lifelong Learner.
CSU’s published Lifelong Learner requirements don’t list an income limit or Colorado residency requirement.
However, meeting the age requirement doesn’t automatically give you access to any class you choose.
Participation is subject to approval from the department and instructor, as well as available space and resources.
Is It Really Tuition-Free?
Yes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean every class will cost you nothing.
CSU allows approved Lifelong Learners to visit resident-instruction classes at no tuition cost.
However, applicable course fees can still be charged.
CSU gives examples such as:
- Transportation expenses
- Breakage fees
- Consumable supplies associated with labs
Check the class schedule for applicable fees before committing to a course.
Do I Get College Credit?
No.
This is a class visitation program, not regular enrollment in a degree program.
CSU doesn’t award academic credit or a final grade for completing a Lifelong Learner visitation, and the University doesn’t maintain an academic record of your participation.
Whether you participate in class activities, assignments or tests is up to the instructor.
That means you can get the educational experience of attending the class without working toward a degree or accumulating college credits.
What Classes Can I Take?
Start with CSU’s current Class Schedule and look for a resident-instruction course that interests you.
However, finding a class doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be allowed to attend it.
The instructor and department have discretion over whether Lifelong Learners are accepted.
CSU makes this particularly clear: if a department doesn’t accept a Lifelong Learner, the University can’t force the department to do so.
Can I Take More Than One Class?
Yes.
CSU says there’s no limit on the number of Lifelong Learner courses you can take as long as you’re accepted by the applicable department and instructor.
However, you’ll need to complete a separate Lifelong Learner form for each course.
So if you find several classes you’d like to visit, you aren’t necessarily limited to choosing just one.
Is a Seat Guaranteed?
No.
Lifelong Learners participate on a space-available basis.
CSU says approval for visitation may be obtained before the first day of class under its current instructions. However, visitation privileges can later be revoked to make room for degree-seeking students and other tuition-paying students.
That makes it a good idea to have another class in mind if your first choice is especially popular.
Can I Take CSU Online Classes?
No.
CSU considers Lifelong Learners resident-instruction learners, and the University specifically says CSU Online doesn’t offer the Lifelong Learner program.
However, that doesn’t mean everything associated with your class has to happen on paper.
Many CSU courses use Canvas for course materials and other electronic resources. Lifelong Learners can receive access to Canvas for an approved class after completing the necessary account setup.
The important distinction is that you can’t use this program to enroll in CSU Online courses.
How Do I Become a Lifelong Learner?
The process is different from registering as a regular CSU student.
Step 1: Choose a Class
Search CSU’s current Class Schedule and find a resident-instruction class you’d like to visit.
The schedule can also help you find information about the instructor, meeting times, location and available seats.
Step 2: Complete the Lifelong Learner Form
Visit CSU’s official Lifelong Learners page and use the current Lifelong Learner Visitation Request Form provided there.
It’s better to access the form through CSU’s current program page rather than relying on an older saved version, since forms and procedures can change.
You’ll need a separate form for each course you want to visit.
Step 3: Get Approval
Take the visitation request to the academic department offering the course.
You may need to contact the instructor directly.
The department or instructor needs to approve the visitation and sign your request form.
Instructor information can be found through CSU’s Class Schedule.
If permission isn’t granted, you can’t participate in that particular course through the Lifelong Learner program.
Step 4: Get Your CSU ID
Once you’re approved, the academic department’s HR liaison will provide you with a CSU ID.
This is an identification number used within CSU’s systems rather than a guarantee that you’ll receive the same physical student ID card or student services available to regularly enrolled students.
You’ll use the CSU ID to create a NetID, which can give you access to Canvas and other electronic resources needed for your approved class.
Step 5: Submit Your Completed Form
After you’ve obtained the required approval and CSU ID, return the completed form with the instructor’s signature.
CSU’s current instructions allow you to submit it:
- To The Hub by email
- In person at Room 175 of the Lory Student Center
- Or to the Office of the Registrar by email
The completed form must be submitted no later than the end of the term.
What About Veterans?
CSU also offers a separate Veteran Learner visitation process.
Veterans interested in visiting classes should use the Veteran Learner information and forms available through CSU rather than assuming the 55+ Lifelong Learner requirements apply to them.
Both options are available from CSU’s Lifelong Learners page.
Is the Lifelong Learner Program Still Available?
Yes.
As of September 2026, Colorado State University continues to list the Lifelong Learner program as an available option for adults age 55 and older.
Fall 2026 classes began August 24, 2026, and CSU says completed Lifelong Learner forms can be submitted no later than the end of the applicable term.
Because individual courses require department and instructor approval, check the current class schedule and contact the appropriate department before assuming a particular class will be available.
Relief Recap
Colorado State University’s Lifelong Learner program gives adults age 55 and older an opportunity to attend approved resident-instruction classes without paying tuition.
You won’t receive academic credit or a grade, and applicable course fees can still apply. Admission to individual classes also depends on instructor and department approval, available space and resources.
CSU doesn’t publish a Colorado residency requirement, but this isn’t an online benefit. CSU Online courses aren’t available through the program, so you’ll need to be able to attend an eligible Colorado State University resident-instruction course.
There’s also no published limit on how many Lifelong Learner courses you can take. If you’re approved, you can visit multiple courses, but you’ll need a separate form and approval for each one.
Start with CSU’s official Lifelong Learners page to review the current rules, find the latest form and begin the process.
