Senior Citizen Students

Winthrop University proudly participates in the program that allows Senior citizens (age 60+) to take courses tuition-free on a space-available basis. This program provides a meaningful opportunity for lifelong learning and community connection.

To qualify for this program you must be a South Carolina resident who is 60 years old or above, and you may attend for credit or non-credit purposes on a "tuition free," space available basis. Senior citizens are responsible for any lab fees and course fees associated with the courses they take, as well as additional university fees (such as a parking permit) and for any books/materials required for their coursework. Senior citizens participating in this program will not be able to register for classes until the start of each semester and may only enroll in classes where there are open seats available. The South Carolina Senior citizen benefit does not apply to subscription-based fee programs, such as the competency-based Bachelor of Professional Studies program. This includes courses specific to the program, even if taken as a non-degree student.

Questions about getting started? Please contact the Center for Advising and Transfer Success for more information, and we will be happy to walk you through the process!

For more information please contact the Center for Advising and Transfer Success:

E-mail: osscats@winthrop.edu

Phone: 803/323-4784

Here are some helpful links to get you started: 

• Application Process

• Admitted Students

• Student Support Services

To Do List:

1. Apply and be admitted to Winthrop!
   1. When you apply you will need to determine how you would like to be admitted.
      1. You can be admitted as a degree seeking student, meaning you are pursuing a degree.
      2. You can be admitted as a non-degree seeking student, meaning you are not pursuing a degree but you want to earn credit for the courses you are taking.
      3. Or you can an audit a course, but you will not receive credit for the course. *Some courses are not open to non-degree seeking/audit students. 
         
         1. If you decide to audit a course you will need to fill out a form and get the Chair or Professor's permisson before the first day of the class. The form can be found at this link: https://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/recandreg/Course-audit.pdf.
   2. Once you are admitted, but before you register, you must activate your Winthrop email account and complete your immunization requirements to attend the university. For more information on how to complete the immunization requirements please click here: https://www.winthrop.edu/csw/immunization-requirements.aspx.
   3. If you decide to be a degree seeking student, you will need to meet with your assigned advisor and register for your classes on Wingspan on the first day of that class if there is space available.
   4. If you decide to be a non-degree seeking student, you will not be assigned an advisor, but you will still need to register for your classes on Wingspan on the first day of that class if there is space available.
2. Look online at the classes we offer and pick some courses that seem interesting. Here is a link to our Course Catalog: https://www.winthrop.edu/recandreg/undergraduate-catalogs.aspx.
3. Register your vehicle with Campus Police and purchase your parking permit to park on campus.
4. Stop by the ID Office in McBryde Hall to get your student ID.
5. Purchase any books and materials you need for class.
6. Pay your bill. While this program is tuition free, you are still responsible for any course fees, lab fees, parking fees, or other fees associated with taking the course.