Looking to learn and grow without pursuing a degree? Our nondegree program offers the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself and explore new subjects. Enroll part-time or full-time at Iowa State, without the commitment to a degree. Please note that nondegree students typically aren’t eligible for financial aid.
If you wish to take undergraduate classes at Iowa State University, either part-time or full-time, without pursuing a degree, you should apply as a nondegree undergraduate student.
The opportunity for high school students to enroll at Iowa State University before graduation is primarily designed for high-achieving students who have exhausted their high school course offerings in specific subjects and are ready for college-level coursework in those areas.
To be considered for admission, you must submit the following: a nondegree application for admission, an official high school transcript, a letter of permission from your parent or guardian, and a letter of support from your school counselor. If you wish to take courses through the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Act (PSEOA), you must also submit the PSEOA form.
Applicants who rank in the top half of their graduating class, meet the prerequisites for the courses they wish to take at Iowa State, and have earned high grades in those subject areas are typically offered admission.
If you have not yet attended another university, you may apply for admission if you ranked in the top half of your high school class.
You must have completed the following high school coursework: 4 years of English, 3 years of math (including one year each of algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra), 3 years of science (including one year each of two of the following: biology, chemistry, and physics), and 2 years of social science. A high school transcript is not required.
If you have not attended another university, you may apply for admission if you scored above the 50th percentile on the GED exam. You must have completed the following high school coursework: 4 years of English, 3 years of math (including one year each of algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra), 3 years of science (including one year each of two of the following: biology, chemistry, and physics), and 2 years of social science. Alternatively, you may meet individual course requirements by achieving a score in the 75th percentile or higher in the relevant subject on the GED exam.
You are eligible to apply for admission if you have completed at least 24 semester credits of transferable coursework from an accredited college or university and have earned a minimum 2.25 transfer GPA. Applicants who have earned an associate's degree may be admitted with a minimum 2.00 transfer GPA.
If you have completed fewer than 24 semester credits of transferable coursework, you must also meet the requirements for high school graduates. You do not need to submit transcripts from your previous college, but you may be asked to provide documentation verifying that you have met specific course prerequisites.
You may request an individual review of your application by specifying on the application form which admission requirements you do not meet and providing reasons why you believe an exception should be considered.
For the purpose of applying for admission to Iowa State University, English may be considered your primary language only if you have been raised in an environment where English is the ONLY official language of your locality and nation, and English has been the primary language used in your home.
International students transferring from a U.S. college: The English proficiency requirement may be waived if you have successfully completed a course equivalent to Iowa State University's English 1500 or English 2500 with a grade of B or higher at an accredited U.S. two-year or four-year college or university.
Applicants whose primary language is not English must meet the English proficiency requirement by any one of the options listed below.
English proficiency options and minimum requirements
Students may submit a scanned copy of their test results when applying to Iowa State University. If admitted, you must request official scores to be sent directly from the testing agency to Iowa State.
TOEFL: 6306
SAT: 6306
ACT: 1320
DET: No institutional code required
IELTS: No institutional code required
PTE: No institutional code required
If you hold a student visa or exchange visitor visa and require an F-1 or J-1 visa eligibility form (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) from Iowa State University, you must submit official academic transcripts from your most recent school and provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition and living expenses for full-time study throughout your stay. This documentation is required to meet U.S. government regulations for issuing the visa eligibility form. (International students at other U.S. universities who are attending only summer sessions at Iowa State do not need a visa eligibility form.)
Nonimmigrants on other visa types should consult with an international student advisor in the International Student and Scholars Office for guidance on any visa-related restrictions that may apply.
If you have been charged with a violation of law, you may be required to provide the university with official documentation detailing the final outcome of the proceedings.
If your records have been expunged in accordance with applicable law, you are not required to answer "yes" to this question on the application. Answering "yes" does not automatically disqualify you from admission, but it will be taken into consideration during the review process. If you are uncertain whether to answer "yes," we recommend that you disclose all incidents fully to avoid any risk of disciplinary action or revocation of your admission offer.
If you wish to take graduate classes on campus, on either a part-time or a full-time basis, but are not seeking a graduate degree at Iowa State University, you should apply as a nondegree graduate student.
If you have earned a bachelor's or advanced degree from a college or university accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting association and have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.00/4.00, you are eligible to apply as a nondegree graduate.
If you earned your degree from a non-U.S. college or university that is recognized by the Ministry of Education of that country, the degree is comparable to a US bachelor's, and your academic performance is deemed similar to a 3.00/4.00 grading scale by the Office of Admissions, you are eligible to apply as a nondegree graduate.
Please write the name of the institution where you earned your degree(s) on the application, the full name of the degree you obtained, and the month and year it was earned, and your GPA. The university reserves the right to verify this information with your previous school(s).
If you have less than a 3.00 cumulative GPA, you may request individual review by submitting your official academic transcripts and a letter indicating your educational goals in enrolling as a nondegree graduate.
If you later decide to pursue an advanced degree at Iowa State University, you must submit a degree-seeking graduate application along with the required application fee and official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended.
If admitted to a graduate degree program, your program of study committee will determine which, if any, of your nondegree graduate courses may be applied toward your degree. A maximum of nine semester credits may be considered.
If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate proficiency in English to meet the university's requirements before enrolling in classes. This can be achieved by providing one of the following:
If you hold a student visa or exchange visitor visa and require an F-1 or J-1 visa eligibility form (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) from Iowa State University, you must provide the following:
Additionally, you must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition and living expenses for full-time study throughout your stay. This documentation is required to comply with U.S. government regulations for issuing visa eligibility forms.
International students enrolled at other U.S. universities who plan to attend only summer session(s) at Iowa State do not need a visa eligibility form from the university.
If you hold another visa type, consult an international student advisor in the International Student and Scholars Office to understand any restrictions applicable to your visa status.
Do not apply as a nondegree graduate applicant. Instead, select graduate on the application page.
If you have been charged with a violation of law, you may be required to provide the university with official documentation detailing the final outcome of the proceedings.
If your records have been expunged in accordance with applicable law, you are not required to answer "yes" to this question on the application. Answering "yes" does not automatically disqualify you from admission, but it will be taken into consideration during the review process. If you are uncertain whether to answer "yes," we recommend that you disclose all incidents fully to avoid any risk of disciplinary action or revocation of your admission offer.
