Frequently Asked Questions

Nondegree applicants are required to pay a nonrefundable application fee of $55. This fee does not apply to PSEO applicants.

If you plan to resume studies at the same academic level as your previous enrollment (undergraduate or graduate), you do not need to submit a new application. Instead, contact the Office of the Registrar to initiate the reentry process.

However, if you wish to pursue studies at a different academic level (e.g., transitioning from an undergraduate to a nondegree graduate student), you will need to complete a new application.

Nondegree undergraduate students can enroll in up to 15 semester credits without providing academic records, except when applying to take engineering courses. To exceed 15 credits, you must submit an official transcript from your most recent school to your college, which will determine whether you may continue taking classes.

Nondegree graduate students have no credit limit; however, a maximum of nine semester credits may be applied toward a degree program at Iowa State University.

You must meet all prerequisite requirements for the courses you choose. Additionally, some courses or sections may be restricted to students who meet specific criteria, such as a particular major, college affiliation, or year in school.

Priority for course registration is given to degree-seeking students. As a result, some courses may already be at full capacity and closed to further enrollment.

Yes! As an enrolled student at Iowa State University, you are eligible to reside in university housing.

Nondegree students are not eligible for federal or university financial aid, including work-study and student loans, except in cases of teacher certification. For any financial aid inquiries, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

If you are admitted as a degree-seeking undergraduate, your academic advisor will evaluate how courses taken as a nondegree undergraduate may apply to your chosen degree program. There is no cap on the number of undergraduate semester credits that can be transferred at the undergraduate level. However, graduate-level courses taken as an undergraduate nondegree student cannot be applied toward a graduate degree program.

To transition to a degree-seeking undergraduate program, you must submit an application for undergraduate admission, pay the application fee, and provide official transcripts from your high school and all previously attended colleges or universities.

For degree-seeking graduate students, your program of study committee will determine which of your nondegree graduate courses, if any, may count toward your graduate degree program, up to a maximum of nine semester credits.

To apply as a degree-seeking graduate student, submit a graduate admission application, the application fee, official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, and proof of any degrees earned.

You are required to submit an official high school transcript along with letters of permission from both your parents and your high school guidance counselor. Additionally, you must rank in the top half of your current high school class.

It is expected that you will have completed all relevant courses offered by your high school in the subject area. Please consult with your high school guidance counselor to confirm your eligibility for the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Act (PSEOA), which may cover part of your tuition and fees through your high school.

Nontraditional applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Simply provide details about your situation in your application.

If you plan to take only undergraduate courses, you can apply as a nondegree undergraduate. If you wish to take a combination of undergraduate and graduate courses, or solely graduate courses, you should apply as a nondegree graduate.

Please reach out to the Office of Admissions to discuss your situation personally.

Undergraduate applicants who were denied admission to the university will not be considered for nondegree undergraduate admission unless they have since met the admission requirements. For example, if you were denied based on your high school record but have successfully completed at least one year of full-time study at an accredited college or university, you may qualify for nondegree admission.

Graduate applicants who were denied admission to a degree program cannot be considered for nondegree admission unless the graduate department that denied the application agrees to accept the student into their courses as a nondegree student.

Providing your Social Security Number (SSN) is requested for Iowa State University's student records system. Federal law requires you to provide your SSN if you are applying for financial aid.

While your SSN is not required for admission, failing to provide it may delay the processing of your application. Iowa State uses your SSN for financial aid, internal verification, administrative purposes, and reporting to federal and state agencies as required by law. The privacy and confidentiality of your SSN are protected by federal and state law, and Iowa State will not disclose it without your consent, except as permitted by law.

Iowa State University collects the information on this application to make an admission decision. Your application information is not shared with individuals outside the university, except for items defined as public information. Responses to "optional" items are voluntary, while all other items are required. Failure to provide the required information may result in your application not being considered.