Admission Guidelines
It is recommended that applicants have a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.75 or higher (4.0 scale). Students should also plan to complete the following 14 high school core classes, as strong consideration is given to grades earned in them.
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of mathematics (Algebra 1 or above)
- 3 years of laboratory science
- 3 years of social science
- 1 year from existing core subject area or world language (including foreign languages, Native American languages, or American Sign Language
Ready to Apply?
- Complete and submit the online Application for Admission.
- Report your high school information, including coursework and GPA.
- If additional documents such as transcripts are needed, we'll notify you once we receive and process your application. See below for details on how to send documents.
Other Considerations
ACT/SAT Scores
NDSU is test-optional and does not require ACT/SAT test scores for admission. NDSU will rely on the high school grade point average (GPA) and core coursework to make admission decisions. Although we do not require ACT/SAT test scores for admission, applicants may elect to send test scores if they feel they may help provide a more complete representation of academic abilities. Additionally, NDSU will still consider test scores for placement into the appropriate math and English courses.
GED Completers
NDSU will accept the General Education Development (GED) transcript in lieu of a high school transcript. For students testing in 2014 or later, a minimum passing score of 165 in all subject areas must be presented. Applicants with GED scores prior to 2014 must meet prior requirements for successful completion of a GED. Students who do not meet minimum passing scores will still be considered if there is evidence in the student's academic record that demonstrates a high probability of success.
NDSU-NDSCS Pathway Program
Students who do not meet these minimum guidelines will still be considered if there is evidence in the student's academic record that demonstrates a high probability of success. Students not offered direct admission to NDSU may be eligible to enroll in the Pathway Program, a collaborative agreement between NDSU and North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) - Fargo. Additional details are sent in the admission decision letter.
Dates and Deadlines
Summer 2025: Applications must be submitted by July 1.
Fall 2025: Applications must be submitted by August 1.
Spring 2026: Applications must be submitted by December 15.
Admission decisions are typically mailed out 2-3 weeks after all required application materials have been received.