Set Your Inspiration Wild

Early Entry is an ideal option for current high school students to take NDSU classes and earn college credit before they graduate.

Learn more about Early Entry

4 Reasons to Consider NDSU's Early Entry Program

1)

Get an early start on your NDSU four-year degree

2)

Receive early advising from dedicated NDSU faculty and staff to keep you on track

3)

Challenge yourself with the rigor of NDSU classes early

4)

Save time and money by earning college credits at a discounted rate

Early Entry Classes

Several classes are available to take as an Early Entry student based on your personal interests or potential program of study.

Check out classes

Early Entry Program Costs

Tuition for early-entry courses will be charged at the following rates based on the applicant's residency. If you check your tuition balance you will notice initially that full tuition is charged. Approximately two weeks after enrollment a tuition waiver will be applied to your account which will bring your tuition cost to what is listed in the tabs below.

The North Dakota tuition rate applies to all eligible North Dakota residents and North Dakota military families. Early-Entry students will receive our Early Entry Waiver which brings the cost of tuition down to the following per-credit rate.

$154.36 = Tuition
$5.50 = ConnectND Fee
$.04 = NDSA Fee

$159.90/credit = Total

Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota, Illinois and Wisconsin residents, as well as those who are dependents of an NDUS Alumni pay the following rate. Early Entry students will receive our Early Entry Waiver which brings the cost of tuition down to the following per credit rate.

$167.34 = Tuition
$5.50 = ConnectND Fee
$.04 = NDSA Fee

$172.88/credit = Total

Students who are residents of other U.S. states (not listed in other categories) are charged the following per credit rate for Early Entry. Early entry students will receive our Early Entry Waiver which brings the cost of tuition down to the following rate per credit.

$179.69 = Tuition
$5.50 = ConnectND Fee
$.04 = NDSA Fee

$185.23/credit = Total

Students who are on an F or J visa who enroll as Early Entry are charged the following rate. Early entry students will receive our Early Entry Waiver which brings the cost of tuition down to the following per credit rate.

$179.69 = Tuition
$5.50 = ConnectND Fee
$.04 = NDSA Fee

$185.23/credit = Total

Admission Guidelines

Students who are in their junior or senior year of high school and who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are ideal candidates for the program. High school sophomores may also be considered based on demonstrated potential for academic success.

Students studying in library

Ready to Apply?

  1. Complete and submit the Application for admission and choose "Early Entry" as your student type
  2. Ask your high school to send an official transcript directly to the NDSU Office of Admission
Photo of NDSU's bison statue from low in the grass.

Dates and Deadlines

Spring 2026: Applications must be submitted by December 15. (Class Registration Opens Mid-November)

Summer 2026: Applications must be submitted by July 1. (Class Registration Opens Mid-March)

Fall 2026: Applications must be submitted by August 1. (Class Registration Opens Mid-April)

Admission decisions are typically mailed within 2-3 weeks after all required application materials have been received.

Apply Now!