Wow! That's a neat idea. What about text books? Is there a discount for students over 55? What do classes normally cost at University of Pittsburgh ( per credit hour)?

It sure sounds innovative. I'm starting to wish I lived in Pittsburgh.

I usually buy my text books used on Amazon-much cheaper than in the college bookstore. I am not positive what tuition at Pitt is right now. My daughter graduated over a year ago. I think we were paying maybe $8000 a semester for 18 credits. So $45 for auditing is a real bargain.

You might want to check in your area -- a lot of schools have similar programs. My undergraduate alma mater, Seattle Pacific University, offers FREE courses to seniors over 65 yrs old. You have to wait until all the "regular" students have registered, and if there are spaces available, they'll take students who wish to audit, including seniors. SPU is a private liberal arts school -- tuition is about $7800 per QUARTER ($23,400 per year).

University of Washington (Seattle) has their "Lifeling Learning Institute" where those over 50 yrs old can take specially designed courses taught by university faculty and professors emeriti for $90 per course.

My current school, Western Washington University, offers the Academy of Lifelong Learning -- with courses, trips, seminars, luncheons, etc., ranging in price from $50 up to several thousand (for overseas multi-week trips).

Also, like the original poster, I purchase ALL my college textbooks on Amazon.com, using their third-party sellers. I've gotten some incredible deals: $125 music history textbook in near-mint condition for $7.50 plus 3.99 shipping; a $78 conducting textbook for $11.25 plus 3.99 shipping; that sort of thing. (My best deal with a $106 textbook for $0.99 -- with minor pencil marks in the first 15 pages, otherwise in pristeen condition.)

I will definitely be looking to Amazon for textbooks if I continue on with a BA. I never knew they were that inexpensive.Now, I'd like to find a school that offers independent study ( not necessarily online) that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Be sure to check out half.com for books too.

I'm about fed up with school, although I can find it very interesting. I especially hated being taught by Grad Students. Never worked in the world, so how can they teach?

Bachelors in 1984, (Fine Arts)

Masters in mathematics in 1986

Masters in Business 1994

PhD in Physics 1997

HI Saundra,

I think you have a great idea. I was a late bloomer because I stayed behind to help raise the kids. I returned to school and got my B.S.Edu at the age of 40. I returned to Seminary to get my M.Div 3 years later. Last year I decided I need some more classes on counseling so I am now half way through with an MS in Counseling. I love studying. Keeps my brain active and I enjoy interacting with younger and older students.

Thanks for posting.

Cleveland