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Arkansas's system of higher education spans the state. Public two- and four-year colleges dot the landscape in every region, making access to quality information convenient. Whether it's time to earn that master's degree or brush up on computer skills, the opportunity is yours at a nearby college.

Obtaining a degree is very affordable, too — all public colleges and universities in Arkansas offer free tuition to students 60 and older who take for-credit courses.

Continuing education departments at many schools offer a variety of opportunities. Non-credit courses, which range from personal enrichment topics to basic computer training to professional development certificates, usually require a smaller time investment than standard for-credit courses and are taught by professors or subject matter experts from the community. Learn self-defense at North Arkansas College at Harrison; take an advanced class on Microsoft Excel at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; or learn Spanish at South Arkansas Community College at El Dorado.

Don't forget to take advantage of university-hosted lectures that are open to the public. The University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock hosts numerous public lectures, programs and town hall-type meetings year-round. In addition to former President Bill Clinton, guest speakers in the past have included former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright; Sen. Bob Dole; President José María Aznar of Spain; Imad Moustapha, Syrian ambassador to the U.S.; and Karl Rove, deputy White House chief of staff and senior adviser to President George Bush. Learn more at ClintonSchoolResearch.com.