Nutmeggers Over 62 Can Take State College Classes Tuition-Free. 4 Other Perks Older Residents Can Get
Maybe you always wanted to take a college class, and now Connecticut may cover the tuition.
That’s only the first of several perks the state offers older residents.
Here’s how Nutmeggers over 62 can take state college classes tuition-free, and what other perks older residents can get.
Note: This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Program rules, ages and fees are subject to change.
Schools That Waive Tuition
Connecticut’s tuition waiver for residents 62 and older covers three state systems: UConn, the state universities and CT State Community College.
At UConn, you qualify as a Connecticut resident who turns 62 before the term begins.
The waiver applies to both undergraduate and graduate tuition.
If you’re not in a degree program, UConn’s page says you need space available in the course once regular registration ends.
If your employer reimburses your education costs, UConn’s page says the waiver is reduced by that amount.
At Eastern Connecticut State University, you qualify once you’re admitted and either sit in a degree program or find an open seat once regular registration ends.
Its waiver also reaches online courses.
CT State Community College works under a state law that waives tuition for any resident 62 or older, but only when seats remain after paying students sign up.
Western Connecticut State University exempts Connecticut residents 62 or older who study full time from the state tuition charge.
Signing Up
Signing up for the tuition waiver works differently at each school.
At CT State Community College, you register in person at a One Stop Enrollment Center on any CT State campus, and you need documentation of your age.
The college’s senior citizen page says online registration isn’t available with the waiver.
At UConn, the Stamford campus bursar page says you must notify the Bursar’s Office if you’re over 62 and a Connecticut resident.
UConn and CT State Community College both limit the waiver to the fall and spring terms, and CT State covers only credit-bearing courses.
Fees Beyond Tuition
The waiver covers tuition, and other costs depend on the school.
What the Waiver Covers at Each School
UConn waives tuition only, so you stay responsible for any fees remaining each semester.
Eastern Connecticut State University waives tuition, the State University Fee and credit hour fees for continuing education courses, and its page says no other fees are waived.
CT State Community College waives tuition plus the college service fee and the student activity fee.
You still pay the U-Pass/Transportation Fee at CT State, according to its senior citizen page.
Western Connecticut State University also exempts full-time seniors from the State University Fee, but part-time seniors in continuing education courses pay a nonrefundable registration fee of $60.
More Perks at 65
The classroom waiver starts at 62, but your next set of perks starts at 65.
Four state perks start there, and three of them cost you nothing.
1. Charter Oak Pass
The Charter Oak Pass is free to Connecticut residents 65 and older.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says it covers the exhibit spaces at Dinosaur, Fort Trumbull and Gillette Castle State Parks.
Without the pass, you pay $6 for the Dinosaur State Park exhibit center, the Fort Trumbull tours and the Gillette Castle tours.
Visit all three, and the pass saves you $18 in admissions.
Parking isn’t the perk.
The department’s April 2026 release says residents and visitors driving Connecticut-registered vehicles continue to enjoy free parking year-round at state parks and forests.
You can pick up the pass at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, and the department requires proof of age and residency.
You can also mail a legible photocopy of your driver’s license or other legal proof of age and residency to the State Parks Division in Hartford.
2. Free Fishing Licenses
Connecticut fishing licenses for both fresh water and salt water are free once you’re a resident who is 65 or older.
Anglers 16 and older need a license.
Yours costs nothing.
The inland license needs renewing every year.
If you’re between 18 and 64, you pay $28 for an inland license.
New York charges residents $25 for a fishing license through age 69.
At 70 and older, the fee drops to $5.
3. Half-Price CTtransit Fares
CTtransit cuts bus fares in half for riders 65 and older.
A September 25, 2026 release from the Department of Transportation says that 50% reduced fare continues under the structure that took effect October 1.
The department also says all reduced fare customers must be prepared to show proof of eligibility.
A new online application is available for eligible customers to receive a reduced fare photo identification card.
The discount is CTtransit’s, so check with your local bus system if CTtransit doesn’t serve your town.
Psst! How much do you know about Connecticut? Take our quiz and see how many you can get right.
Quiz
Nutmeg State Pop Quiz
Answer these questions on Connecticut’s taxes, roads, parks and history. We bet you can’t get them all right. Prove us wrong?
A single Connecticut filer’s Social Security benefits are fully exempt from state income tax when federal adjusted gross income stays below what amount?
4. Free Hunting Licenses
If you're a Connecticut resident 65 or older, you can get a free firearms hunting license and a free trapping license.
A firearms hunting license otherwise costs residents $19.
A combined firearms hunting and inland fishing license runs residents $38.
The catch?
The free licenses are issued to residents who meet hunter and trapper education requirements.
You renew both licenses every year.
Medicare Help Through CHOICES
CHOICES is Connecticut's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, and it gives you free help with health insurance.
It's built for people who have Medicare, along with their families and caregivers.
Medicare Open Enrollment started October 15 and ends December 7, 2026, and counselors can help you sign up for and compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
You can reach a CHOICES counselor at 1-800-994-9422.
Counselors also help you find out whether you qualify for programs that lower costs, like Medicaid, the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help.
Aging and Disability Services, the five regional Area Agencies on Aging and the Center for Medicare Advocacy run the program together.
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