Admission

Our diverse student body includes students from all backgrounds, each seeking an academically rigorous education within a supportive community.  No matter what type of student you are, we want to make your application experience as seamless as possible.

For undergraduate admission, choose from the menu options on the right-hand side of the page to learn more about your specific application process and requirements.  Perspective students can also log onto the Office of Admission website for undergraduate domestic, permanent resident and international student application information. 

Admission to the Graduate College is a selective process intended to identify applicants who are outstanding among recipients of baccalaureate degrees. The following minimum qualifications are required of all students seeking an advanced degree:

1. The applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an educational institution of recognized standing.
2. The applicant must have adequate preparation in the chosen field of study and must show potential to undertake advanced study and research as evidenced by academic performance and experience.
3. At the baccalaureate level, the applicant must have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0, or equivalent, to attain full standing in a graduate degree program. Applicants whose last degree completed is a graduate degree may be admitted in full standing if the final GPA of that degree is at least 3.0 or equivalent.
4. Each program may set higher qualifications and may require the submission of additional evidence of academic performance.

A student shall be permitted to register for graduate study only after formal admission. Programs make recommendations on all applications, but the final admission decision is the responsibility of the Dean of the Graduate College.  Perspective students can view admission information in the Graduate Bulletin or log onto the Graduate College website for domestic and international student application information.

Freshman Admission

Applications for Freshman Admission are evaluated on an individual basis. The university uses selective criteria in order to assure adequate preparation which will enable students to be successful in their academic pursuits. NDSU reviews the following criteria:

• High School GPA - It is recommended applicants have a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale). Strong consideration is given to grades earned in the high school core courses listed below.
• Test Score(s) - An ACT composite score of 22 or higher or SAT score of 1100 or higher (evidence-based reading and writing + math combined score) is also recommended. If you have not achieved this score, you are strongly encouraged to re-test. The writing component of the ACT is not required.
• High School Core Coursework - Students should complete the following 14 high school core courses:

    4 units of English

    3 units of mathematics (at the level of algebra 1 and above)

    3 units of laboratory science

    3 units of social science

    1 unit from existing core subject area or world language (including foreign languages, Native American languages or American Sign Language)

Students who do not meet these minimum guidelines will still be considered if there is evidence in the student's academic record that demonstrates a high probability of success. Students with higher GPAs and lower test scores, or conversely, lower GPAs and higher test scores will also be given consideration.

NDSU will accept the General Education Development (GED) certificate from applicants 19 or older. For students testing in 2014 or later, a minimum score of 170 must be presented. Applicants with GED scores prior to 2014 must meet prior requirements for successful completion of a GED.

For full procedures, deadlines and to apply for Freshman Admission, follow the Freshman Admission Procedures outlined online.

Early Entry Admission

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.

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.

Students are encouraged to begin the application process at least one month prior to the semester they wish to take classes. See the Early Entry Admission Procedures to ensure all necessary steps are completed. Some courses require ACT scores or AP/IB exam scores as prerequisites prior to registration. Students are required to participate in a brief orientation session with an admission representative following registration. To begin enrollment as an Early Entry student, contact the Office of Admission.

Transfer Admission

NDSU considers a transfer applicant’s overall academic performance when making an admission decision. An applicant’s cumulative college grade point average (GPA) and high school preparation (if applicable) are taken into consideration when evaluating an applicant:

• Fewer than 24 transferrable college credits completed at the time of application - your high school record will be taken into consideration along with your college academic record.
• 24 or more transferrable college credits completed at the time of application - a decision will be based on your college academic record including coursework attempted, coursework completed and cumulative GPA from all previously attended post-secondary institutions.

In most cases, it is recommended that all applicants present at least a 2.0 GPA in all college course work to be considered for admission. If you have credits from more than one college or university, all credits will be combined to determine the cumulative GPA for admission consideration. When reviewing applications, particular attention is paid to students’ most recent course work and the number of credits completed. If you have in-progress course work at the time of application, all course work must be completed with a 2.0 GPA or above. Students who have been suspended from other institutions will not be considered for admission to NDSU until the suspension has been lifted by that institution or until one year has elapsed.

For full procedures, deadlines and to apply for Transfer Admission, follow the Transfer Admission Procedures outlined online.

International Student Admission

All international undergraduate applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by providing official results from an approved proficiency exam such as the TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson’s Academic, ACT, or SAT. There are exemptions to this requirement located here. Contact the Office of International Student & Study Abroad Services if you feel you qualify for this exemption. For full admission procedures, deadlines, and to apply, follow the steps outlined at on the International Admission page. Students who have been suspended from other institutions will not be considered for admission to NDSU until the suspension has been lifted by that institution or until one year has elapsed.

For First-Year international undergraduate admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants should have an educational background in the core curriculum of  laboratory science, mathematics, social science, and English. A secondary or high school grade point average of at least 2.75 (4.0 scale) or the equivalent in core subjects is recommended. Students who do not meet these minimum guidelines will still be considered for admission if there is evidence in the student’s academic record that demonstrates a high probability of success. 

FOR TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION, APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

• A student is considered a transfer applicant if they have 24 or more transferable college credits completed at the time of application. A decision will be based on your college academic record including coursework attempted, coursework completed and cumulative GPA from all previously attended post-secondary institutions. A post-secondary/university grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (4.0 scale) or the equivalent, is recommended. Students who do not meet these minimum guidelines will still be considered for admission if there is evidence in the student's academic record that demonstrates a high probability of success. 

intensive english language program applicants

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) at NDSU is designed to help non-native speakers achieve English proficiency. To be considered for admission, all applicants should have an educational background in the core curriculum of laboratory science, mathematics, social science, and English.

Non-Degree Seeking Admission

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. 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 descriptions of the catalog or in the course search feature in the student information system, 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 academic department responsible for teaching the class.

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 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.

Undergraduate Readmission

Returning undergraduate students are those who have previously attended NDSU and are returning after a leave of absence of at least one full term, exclusive of summer session. Returning students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 in all NDSU and transfer coursework to be considered for readmission. Undergraduate students requesting readmission should begin the reactivation process with the Office of Registration and Records at least 30 business days prior to their expected return so that records may be updated to permit further registration. Refer to the Undergraduate Reactivation/Petition for Readmission form for further information. Returning graduate students should contact the Graduate College for information on returning from a leave of absence.