To be ideally positioned for the Finish in Three pathway, we recommend completing 15 college-level credits before arriving at NDSU.

Recommended courses (or equivalents):

• Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 201) or Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON 202)
• Fundamentals of Public Speaking (COMM 110)
• Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 111) or Introduction to Sociology (SOC 110)
• College Algebra (MATH 103)
• One additional elective

If you’ve taken different college-level coursework, you may still qualify! These are simply recommendations. Use Transferology to see how your college-level classes transfer to NDSU, or connect with Angelica Pfremmer to review your credits and determine your next steps.

You may choose any 3-credit course that is not a required business major class. Some students select electives that also count toward a minor or certificate, while others use the opportunity to explore personal interests—such as art, music, or other general education courses.

That’s great! Use Transferology to see how your college-level classes transfer to NDSU, or connect with Angelica Pfremmer to review your credits and determine your next steps.

Not at all. Finish in Three students receive the full College of Business experience, including:

• Industry mentors and hands-on projects
• Student organizations and leadership opportunities
• Career preparation and internships
• One-on-one support from faculty and advisors

You’ll also participate in first-year experiences, such as Welcome Week and first-year preparation events.

Remember, this program is optional. Finishing in three years may not be what you want, and that's okay!

No. The Finish in Three plan is designed with a manageable course load:

• 15 credits in fall and spring
• 6 credits in the summer

Students who prefer summers off may move those credits into fall and spring semesters, resulting in a fuller schedule. Many students successfully take up to 18–20 credits per semester.

Your academic advisor will provide a clear, structured course plan outlining which classes to take each fall, spring, and summer semester. You’ll meet with your advisor at least once per semester to plan ahead and stay on track.

Absolutely. We encourage students to work, pursue internships, and get involved on campus, and we help connect you with those opportunities.

Yes. Finish in Three is available to all College of Business majors.

If you remain within the College of Business, you may still be able to follow an accelerated timeline. Your advisor will help adjust your plan based on your new major.

No problem at all. You can switch back to a traditional four-year pace at any time, and all completed credits will still count toward your degree. Another option would be to finish your undergraduate degree in three years and use your fourth year to begin an advanced degree through one of our graduate programs.

Yes. Fully online students can follow the Finish in Three academic structure and complete their degree in three years. However, because online programs do not have the same tuition cap as on-campus programs, the cost savings associated with Finish in Three do not apply to fully online students.

The College of Business offers three fully online undergraduate programs:

• Business Administration
• Management
• Marketing

For more details and to determine whether Finish in Three is a good fit for your online program, connect with Angelica Pfremmer.

Savings will vary based on residency, financial aid, and individual course plans (see below). Many students save between $5,000 and $10,000 total over the course of three years, depending on how their Finish in Three schedule is structured. In addition, students enter the workforce and begin earning a career salary one year earlier.

Estimated total savings over three years:

• With summer courses: Approximately $5,000
• Without summer courses (credits moved to fall and spring semesters): Approximately $10,000+

Bonus: NDSU has a tuition cap!
Tuition costs are capped at 13 credits, so if you take 14 - 20 credits during a fall or spring semester, you still are charged for only 13 credits! Taking additional credits does not increase your tuition; it simply helps you graduate sooner and save money.

Savings will vary based on residency, financial aid, and individual course plans.