Admission

Our diverse student body is comprised of students from various backgrounds and identities, 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.

Domestic Undergraduate Admission: Choose one of the menu options on the right-hand side of the page to learn more about your specific application process and requirements.  Prospective students can also visit the Office of Admission website for undergraduate domestic and permanent resident student application information. 

International Admission: Select 'International Admission' in the menu on the right-hand side, or visit the International Applicants website for undergraduate international student application information. 

Graduate Admission: Admission to the Graduate School 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 School website for domestic and international student application information.

Readmission: For more information on returning to NDSU as a former student, select 'Undergraduate Readmission' in the menu on the right-hand side. 

Domestic First-Year Admission

Applications for Domestic First-Year 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. For full procedures, deadlines and to apply for Domestic First-Year Admission, follow the First-Year 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. 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. 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.

Domestic 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. For full procedures, deadlines and to apply for Domestic 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, Duolingo English Exam, 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 limited in the number of credits they can complete as a non-degree student and 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/corequisite 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.

For full procedures on undergraduate non-degree seeking admission, visit the Non-Degree Seeking Applicants website. 

For full procedures on graduate non-degree seeking admission, visit the Non-Degree Graduate Applicants website. 

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

Undergraduate students may find it necessary to take a leave of absence for a variety of reasons before earning an undergraduate degree. Students who were previously admitted and had attended NDSU may wish to return after an absence of at least one full term (excludes summer semester). Students will follow procedures for undergraduate readmission/reactivation. Returning students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 in all NDSU and any 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 adequately reviewed and updated to permit further registration. Refer to the Undergraduate Reactivation/Petition for Readmission form for further information. Students who are requesting readmission following an academic suspension from NDSU must pay particular attention to the 'Returning from an NDSU Academic Suspension' section of the form.  

Returning graduate students should contact the Graduate College for information on returning from a leave of absence.