Admission
Admission information, requirements and application materials are available on the respective department web site:
- Undergraduate Admission (domestic, international and permanent resident students)
- Graduate Admission (international and domestic graduate students)
In addition to the standard admission requirements and processes, special application instructions and admission information applies to special populations of students as identified below.
Admission of Early-Entry Students
The Early Entry Program allows high school students to take courses at NDSU while completing their high school graduation requirements. Students who are in their junior year of high school and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher are ideal candidates for the program.
To begin as an Early Entry student, submit the following:
- Application for Admission
- A nonrefundable $35 application fee
- Official high school transcript
- Early Entry permission form (obtained from the Office of Admission)
College courses may or may not substitute for courses required for high school graduation. North Dakota students must initiate the Dual Credit Enrollment Application with a high school counselor to count college credit toward graduation requirements.
Early Entry students pay regular tuition and fees.
To begin enrollment as an Early Entry student, contact the Office of Admission.
Admission of Non-Degree Seeking Students
Special status is reserved for non-degree seeking students who wish to enroll in a limited number of courses at NDSU. Students are permitted to register for up to 15 credits. Interested students must submit an Application for Admission to the Office of Admission and pay the $35 nonrefundable application fee. Official transcripts are required if coursework was attempted any time one year prior to application. To take additional courses or become degree-seeking, appropriate high school and/or college transcripts must be submitted to be considered for admission. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid.
Students currently enrolled at another college or university and planning to take limited coursework at NDSU with intention of transferring NDSU credits to their home institution should follow application procedures for non-degree student status.
Some courses are limited to students in select programs of study, in specified classifications (i.e., junior or senior status), or are restricted by prerequisite/co requisite coursework. Such information is listed in the Course Catalog details on Campus Connection . If restrictions are placed on the courses in which you are interested in enrolling as a non-degree seeking student, permission to enroll may be sought through the appropriate academic department.
Admission by Examination (GED)
NDSU will accept the General Education Development (GED) certificate in place of a high school diploma. North Dakota residents may take these tests by appointment at the NDSU Counseling Center or at high schools throughout the state. Others should consult with schools in their home state for details about testing centers.
Students testing after 2014 must present scores of 150 or higher on each of the four content areas. ACT/SAT scores are required if applicant is under 25 years of age. Students testing between 2002 and 2014 must present an overall average score of 450 with no subject score lower than 410. For students testing prior to 2002, an average of 45 and subject scores no lower than 40 are required.
Selective and Limited Admission Programs
Admission to a number of academic programs is selective and/or limited. Admission to the university does not guarantee entrance to a specific major. Supplemental applications may be required for students seeking admission to the professional-level programs. Some programs require that minimum standards be met and maintained for continuous enrollment and advancement in the program. Contact your respective department for further admission criteria.
Readmission of a Previously Admitted Student (Returning)
Returning students (also called reactivating students) have previously attended NDSU and are returning after a leave of absence of at least one full term (exclusive of summer session) or are returning following an academic suspension. Returning undergraduate students must submit a Reactivation/Petition for Readmission Form to the Office of Registration and Records at least 30 days prior to the start of the expected term of return. Returning graduate students should contact the Graduate School for information on returning from a leave of absence.
Students who have enrolled in courses at other institutions since leaving NDSU must arrange for official transcripts to be sent to the Office of Registration and Records, NDSU Dept. 5210, P.O. Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050. Failure to list all colleges, universities, and schools attended while away from NDSU may result in denial of readmission, rescission of admission, dismissal, loss of credit(s), or other appropriate sanctions. Returning students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 in all NDSU and transfer coursework to be readmitted.
NDSU reserves the right to refuse admission or re-enrollment or to place conditions on admission or re-enrollment of applicants and former students who NDSU determines represent a safety risk to NDSU students, employees or property. Undergraduate applicants have the right to appeal any decision to the Vice President for Student Affairs within seven calendar days of the date the notice was received. Graduate applicants may appeal any decision to the Dean of the Graduate School within the same time frame.
