Retired Person Studies Program

UM-Dearborn continues its outstanding tradition of extending excellence in education to the residents of southeast Michigan. Founded in 1984, the Retired Persons Studies Program (RPSP) is designed for Michigan residents 60 and older who seek intellectual engagement and stimulation.

Admissions Requirements

Prospective RPSP students are required and expected to:

  • Have reached their 60th birthday prior to the semester of their first registration
  • Be a retired person – to have no current career or employment
  • Meet the educational requirements for their desired level of study:
    • For undergraduate coursework, have graduated from high school (or equivalent) and demonstrate the potential to succeed in academic coursework
    • For graduate coursework, have completed a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution.
    • Appropriate education, career or life experience will be given special consideration
  • Meet the posted minimum English proficiency standards

Academic Credit

Students enrolled in the RPSP program can take courses only under the audit option. Courses taken under the audit option do not carry academic credit and are not transferable into a degree program.

Advising and Support 

Admitted PRSP students have the option to connect with our academic advising office. They may also seek guidance from faculty members within the colleges where they plan to take courses.

Tuition and Cost

PRSP course tuition is by the credit hour. A special tuition rate for the program, set at approximately 25% of in-state tuition, is approved annually by the Regents in mid-summer. RPSP students are also subject to all applicable registration fees and college-specific premiums.

The 2026 - 2027 rates are:

LevelTuition Assessment
Undergraduate$171/Per Credit Hour
Graduate CASL and CEHHS$249/Per Credit Hour
Graduate COB and CECS$301/Per Credit Hour

Upper Division Course Premium Assessments

  • 300-499 level courses in CASL and CEHHS: additional $30.00 per credit hour
  • 300-499 level courses in CECS: additional $125.00 per credit hour
  • 300-499 level courses in COB: additional $150.00 per credit hour
  • 500 level and above courses in CECS: additional $200.00 per credit hour
  • 500 level and above courses in COB: additional $200.00 per credit hour

Key:

  • CASL - College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters
  • CECS – College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • CEHHS – College of Education, Health, and Human Services
  • COB – College of Business

How to Apply for Alumni Enrichment Courses

  • Complete the Online Non-Degree Application – select “Retired Persons Studies Program.”
  • Provide an official transcript showing that a degree was awarded. 

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until midnight the day before classes begin each semester.

Admitted RPSP Students

After you have been admitted to UM-Dearborn, you will receive information about registration. Visit our Admitted Non-Degree Students page for additional details. 

University of Michigan staff and visitors talk at an indoor help desk and admissions table with brochures, a laptop, and informational signs.

Next Steps: Retired Persons Studies Resources

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