Senior Citizen Audit Program

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey provides senior citizens with opportunities in higher education.

The Rutgers University Board of Governors created the Senior Citizen Audit Program to permit retired New Jersey residents, age 62 or older, to audit courses on a space-available, noncredit basis. There are no tuition costs for auditing courses, and senior auditors do not receive academic credit for audited courses.

Application

The application for the fall semester will be available in June.

Choosing a Course

Important to know

  • Browse class availability at Rutgers Schedule of Classes.
  • Senior citizen auditors may audit classes with the permission of the instructor and within all departmental guidelines.
  • Senior auditors are not required to complete assignments or participate in exams.
  • Only courses offered during the spring and fall semesters are open to auditors. No other courses offered at the university are available under the Senior Citizen Audit Program, including courses offered during other terms.
  • Rutgers classes offered at off-campus locations (i.e., Brookdale Community College, Burlington Community College) are not included in the program.
  • The costs of textbooks or other software/materials are not included in the program.
  • Winter Session and Summer Session courses are not covered by this program.

Senior Citizen Auditor Class Participation Guidelines

Senior Citizen Auditors are guests of the university and are welcome to enjoy classes as long as they respect the instructor's expectations regarding auditors and do not negatively impact the educational experience of other class participants.  

At their sole discretion, the class instructor determines whether auditors in the class will be able to fully participate in the class or will only be allowed to observe with no active participation. In addition, the instructor may rescind permission of the auditor to participate if the instructor deems that it is in the best interest of the class to do so.  If a senior citizen auditor does not abide by the guidelines set forth by the instructor, is disruptive, or otherwise behaves in a way the instructor believes is detrimental to the class, either the instructor or the Senior Citizen Audit Program coordinator has the authority to rescind consent to audit the class and/or disenroll the auditor from the program. 

Key Dates

May 14, 2025Last day of the spring semester
June 3, 2025Online application is available for new members
June 3, 2025Registration for fall 2025 opens to current members
August 15, 2025Application for new members closes
August 27, 2025Last day to register for the fall 2025 semester
September 2, 2025First day of classes, fall 2025
November 3, 2025Online application is available for new members
November 3, 2025Registration for spring 2026 opens to current members
November 25, 2025Observe Thursday class schedule
November 26, 2025Observe Friday class schedule
November 27-28, 2025Thanksgiving Recess, no classes
December 12, 2025Fall 2025 semester ends
January 5, 2026Application for new members closes
January 14, 2026Last day to register for the spring 2026 semester
January 20, 2026First day of classes, spring 2026 semester

*courses offered by the School of Nursing or the medical schools are not available for audit. 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Looking for a short-term course or something unique? The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers engaging, noncredit classes in a friendly and informal setting. Membership is required. Discover more here.