Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2024 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ · WVTX
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Vermont State Colleges Will Discontinue Free Courses For Seniors

Vermont's state college system is changing a policy that allows senior citizens to attend classes free of charge.

Currently Vermonters over 65 can take as many as two classes per semester free, for no credit, at any of the state colleges.

Beginning in the fall the classes for seniors will be half price and for credit. The age limit will also be dropped to 60.

State Colleges Chancellor Jeb Spaulding told trustees during a conference call that most recent numbers show about 78 seniors were taking free courses.

“But there are others who say, ‘I want to seek a degree', so they end up paying full price and they’re not too happy about it. This seems to be a good value for Vermonters that are age 60 and over,” Spaulding said.

The change could provide the financially-strapped college system with a little more revenue. Spaulding quoted figures that indicate the number of Vermonters over the age of 65 is going to increase dramatically in coming years.

Tuition for individual courses varies, but full tuition for a typical class at Community College of Vermont is roughly $800.

Steve has been with VPR since 1994, first serving as host of VPR’s public affairs program and then as a reporter, based in Central Vermont. Many VPR listeners recognize Steve for his special reports from Iran, providing a glimpse of this country that is usually hidden from the rest of the world. Prior to working with VPR, Steve served as program director for WNCS for 17 years, and also worked as news director for WCVR in Randolph. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Steve also worked for stations in Phoenix and Tucson before moving to Vermont in 1972. Steve has been honored multiple times with national and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for his VPR reporting, including a 2011 win for best documentary for his report, Afghanistan's Other War.
Latest Stories