The recommended credit load for undergraduate students is 15-18 hours per semester during a standard academic term (fall/spring). Undergraduate and professional student full time status is 12 or more credits per semester (9 credits in the summer).  Half time is 6 credits per semester (5 credits in the summer).

Students are limited to 20 credits per semester (15 credits in the summer). Students who find it necessary to exceed this credit limit must have an NDSU minimum institutional grade-point average of 3.0 to be eligible to petition for an overload. The Over 20 Credits Petition Form is available online.

Graduate student full time status is 9 or more credits per semester (6 credits in the summer). Half time is 5 credits per semester (3 credits in the summer). Graduate students may enroll in up to 15 credits per semester and must obtain approval from the Graduate College to exceed this maximum.