Registration: Senior Citizens
Senior Citizen Policy
The Senior Citizen Policy allows retired Pennsylvania residents to attend West Chester University tuition free on a space-available basis. Students may enroll as either degree or non-degree students and may audit or take courses for credit. The program does not include internships, independent study, individualized instruction, student teaching, thesis, seminar, or any similar course requiring extra faculty compensation for the additional enrollment.
The tuition fee waiver does not include the costs for course materials or fees associate with Inclusive Access, if the instructor has opted to use Inclusive Access for course materials or textbooks. For more information regarding Inclusive Access, please review the WCU Campus Bookstore website.
Admission Requirements
In order to qualify as a Non-Degree Senior Citizen and be eligible for the tuition waiver:
- Students must be at least 60 years old.
- Students must have been Pennsylvania residents for at least a year.
- A copy of a Pennsylvania state ID or driver's license.
Required Supporting Documentation
Along with the Non-Degree Application, the student must submit the following:
- A copy of their Pennsylvania state ID or driver’s license.
- Proof that necessary prerequisite coursework and/or minimum performance competencies have been met.
- To enroll into graduate level courses:
- Student must provide verification of an undergraduate degree in the form of an unofficial transcript, copy of their diploma, or a degree verification from their undergraduate institution.
Application Process and Next Steps for Senior Citizens
1 Check Out Available Classes
Start by exploring the classes you're interested in!
2 Fill Out the Non-Degree Application
Review instructions and complete the application form when it's available.
3 Set Up Your RamNet ID Network Account
Once you receive your RamNet ID number, create your account. Your account is your access to student portals such as RamPortal, D2L, Webmail and more! Follow these steps to Set-up Your New Student Account.
4 Access Your WCU Email Account
Don't forget to use your WCU email for all communication with staff and faculty!
5 Check the Academic Calendar
Look at the calendar and make sure to attend the first day of class.
6 Complete the Enrollment Form
Complete the Non-Degree Senior Citizen Enrollment Form and Fee Waiver .
7 Get Your Instructor's Approval
You'll need their signature to finish your Enrollment Form and Fee Waiver. You can get the signature during the first class to confirm there's space. If you prefer, you can also get an email approval from the instructor.
- You can't submit the Enrollment Form before the semester starts.
- Remember, you will not be registered for any course prior to the beginning of the class and need to follow the add/drop deadlines for the course.
- Any book fees, including but not limited to, the inclusive access fee, is not covered by the waiver and you are responsible for making payment.
8 Submit Your Forms to the Registrar's Office
Hand in your Non-Degree Senior Citizen Enrollment Form and Fee Waiver. Remember to submit any additional documents required for the tuition fee waiver. Once you do, the Registrar's Office will take care of your registration and send the fee waiver to the Bursar's Office. Just a reminder: if you're trying to enroll in a full course, it may take a bit longer to process your registration.