Learning in Retirement

In recognition that we are never too old to learn, continuing education opportunities abound for the 50+ set at Mississippi's universities and colleges.

Several of Mississippi's colleges and universities provide housing and administrative assistance for Institutes for Learning in Retirement which are run by retirees for retirees. The members decide what classes they wish to have each year, and retirees often serve as instructors.

Most charge a small annual fee, and course fees are as low as $5. Just a few of the courses which have been presented in recent years are computer basics, home repair, beginning bridge, herb gardening, foreign languages, Civil War history, Mississippi literature, comparative religion and watercolor.

Some of the institutes also offer monthly luncheon lecture series, socials and field trips such as to Broadway plays in New Orleans or Atlanta.

Institutes are in place at the University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg), Meridian Community College, Hinds Community College (Clinton), Southwest Mississippi Community College (McComb), Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Brookhaven and Natchez) and Gulf Coast Community College, and numerous other colleges and universities are in the process of creating institutes.

In addition, the community colleges and major universities in our Certified Retirement Cities - the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg and Mississippi College in Clinton - waive or reduce tuition fees for adults on a space-available basis.