Free Online Courses that are on-demand without registration include:

GetSetUp: Provides live interactive classes taught by older adults for their peers. The platform covers a wide range of subjects, including technology, health, wellness, and enrichment courses. It’s a social learning environment where seniors can engage and learn together. getsetup.io

Senior Planet: Free online classes designed for older adults, focusing on technology, health, finance, and more. https://seniorplanet.org/classes/

Free Online Courses that are live and with a simple registration process include:

Albany Guardian Society: Offers live online classes nationwide at no cost, with an ever-available, continually updated list of classes. Courses include technology, health and wellness, financial literacy, and social engagement. Simple, 4-click registration process for Zoom courses: https://albanyguardiansociety.org/classes/

Low-Cost and/or Free Online Courses available with free membership include:

Oasis – Lifelong Learning for Seniors: A national nonprofit offering free and low-cost lifelong learning programs, wellness courses, and volunteer opportunities for adults 50+. Classes cover arts, humanities, technology, and health topics. Online courses are available via Oasis Everywhere. Some courses may have fees, but many are free. https://store.oasiseverywhere.org/

Road Scholar: Offers both in-person and online educational travel and study programs for older adults. Programs focus on cultural experiences, history, and science. Some online courses are free, while others are paid, starting at $25 per lecture. https://www.roadscholar.org/collections/online-lectures/

Low-Cost and/or Free Online Courses available with paid membership or scholarship include:

AARP Online Learning: Provides a range of learning opportunities, including free and members-only courses on career development, wellness, and personal enrichment. Courses are available through Zoom and other online platforms.

https://elearn.aarp.org/Public/Catalog/Home.aspx?tab=2

http://learn.aarp.org/

The Rochester Institute of Technology: Offers free online programs for seniors, providing opportunities for lifelong learning. Requires membership, which may be free for seniors, and allows for free auditing of courses. https://www.rit.edu/osher/

Mohawk Valley Community College: Online courses are available to members, with funding offered to retired and semi-retired seniors. https://www.mvcc.edu/mvilr/

Paid Courses & Programs include:

North Carolina State University (NCSU) – Lifelong Learning Program: Offers 4- and 6-week online programs ranging from $500 to $2,500 per course. Programs cover a wide range of topics, including history, literature, and science, tailored for seniors seeking structured learning. https://lifelonglearning.ncsu.edu/programs-and-courses/

Duke University – Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI): Provides a variety of non-credit courses designed for older adults. Course topics include arts, current events, humanities, and wellness. Membership is required, with some courses available for free or at a discounted rate. https://learnmore.duke.edu/olli

Other Resources & Valuable Links

Bernard Osher Foundation: Funds Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI) at universities, offering non-credit courses for seniors to promote lifelong learning and community engagement. List of funded universities on an interactive map: https://sps.northwestern.edu/oshernrc/find-an-osher-near-you.html

Class Central – Free Online Courses: Aggregates free online courses from platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity. Categories include technology, business, personal development, and health sciences. Courses are self-paced and available for seniors interested in lifelong learning. https://www.classcentral.com/report/coursera-top-courses/

StoryPoint – Online Learning Resources: Offers a curated list of online learning platforms catering to seniors. Topics include language learning, music, and arts. Also provides guidance on how seniors can access and benefit from online learning. https://www.storypoint.com/resources/health-wellness/online-learning-for-seniors/

Laurel Circle – Lifelong Learning Programs: Provides information on programs tailored for seniors, including free and paid courses from major universities and organizations. Covers social engagement, health, and intellectual enrichment. https://laurelcirclelcs.com/blog/lifelong-learning-programs-for-seniors/

Kendal at Oberlin: The Kendal blog highlights free online learning opportunities for seniors, including courses from institutions like Cornell and Berklee. https://blog.kao.kendal.org/lifelong-learning-abounds-virtually?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA19e8BhCVARIsALpFMgEb49–HL8d5uiXLTwa0AtsF2kF0XjSguEAyd-ApwN-wShqiiroR3UaAq77EALw_wcB