Undergraduate degree-seeking students are classified according to the total number of credits earned. Classification or standing in a declared plan of study may vary from the classification used by the university in determining academic standing, financial aid award levels, etc.

Classification of Students

Classification	Completed Credits
Freshman	0 - 26
Sophomore	27 - 59
Junior	60 - 89
Senior	90 or more

Credit limitations may be placed on students who have not been fully admitted to a degree program at NDSU.

Undergraduate non-degree student: One who is not seeking a degree or who has not completed the formal application process for admission. A maximum of 15 undergraduate credits may be completed in a non-degree student status. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid.

Conditional graduate standing: One who holds a baccalaureate degree and shows potential for successful graduate study, but does not meet all requirements for admission or has not satisfactorily completed prerequisite coursework. A maximum of 12 credits may be completed while under conditional status. Students may, in consultation with their major adviser, request a change to full graduate standing after demonstration of specified capability in graduate studies.

Graduate non-degree standing: One who holds a baccalaureate degree from an institution of recognized standing may enroll as a non-degree student. This category is for individuals who desire to pursue study beyond the baccalaureate degree for personal growth and improvement of skills, but not in order to work toward an advanced degree objective. No more than 10 credits taken under non-degree status with a grade of 'B' or higher may be transferred to any official program of study at NDSU. Students who decide to pursue full graduate admission are expected to complete the full application process.