1. Apply for admission to NDSU. If the University Admission Committee denies full admission to NDSU, and based on academic markers, the Pathway Program could be recommended.
2. If eligible for the Pathway Program, an admission decision letter, along with a Pathway Intent Form and informational brochure will be mailed to the student.
3. Returning the Intent Form to NDSU officially secures a student’s place in the program, allowing students to then receive housing assignments, financial aid awards and other pertinent information.
4. Apply for housing at NDSU.
5. Apply for financial aid using the StudentAid.gov, indicating NDSCS (Code 002996) as the primary institution listed to receive your information.

Share Your Official High School Transcript or GED with NDSCS
An official high school transcript with final grades and graduation date is required upon completion of high school. A hold will be placed on your account until your final high school transcript is received. NDSCS reserves the right to verify students' high school completion. If documents appear tampered, altered, or unofficial, further confirmation or documentation will be requested from issuing institution. Transfer students who have earned an Associate or higher degree do not need to submit high school transcripts.

Submit Proof of Immunization
You must submit proof of immunization to both NDSU and NDSCS.
NDSCS: Click here for required immunizations and more information.
NDSU: Click here for required immunizations and more information.

Share Official College Transcript(s) (If Applicable) with NDSCS
Final college transcripts must be submitted once all course work is completed. If you previously attended a North Dakota University System institution we will automatically retrieve your transcript provided you do not have a hold that prevents your transcript from being released.

OPTIONAL: Report Your Test Scores
Approved exams include the ACT, SAT and ACCUPLACER.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO APPLY TO NDSCS TO BE A PART OF THE PATHWAY PROGRAM.

Initial course placement is based on ACT sub scores in reading, English and math. Students have the opportunity to ACCUPLACER test to verify their placement.

NDSCS Academic Readiness Courses

• Critical Reading
• College Writing
• Composition Lab
• Algebra Prep

An Academic Advisor will help to identify general education courses to take in conjunction with academic readiness courses appropriate for the field of study.

Students are required to attend a registration session through NDSCS, which includes expectations for Pathway students, advisement, registration for courses and an introduction to NDSU residence life and student services. Information about Registration days will be available when accepted to the Pathway Program.

Pathway students are able to access services at both NDSU and NDSCS, including but not limited to both campus libraries, tutoring services and counseling resources. Pathway students can participate in student organizations and attend campus events such as athletic events, fine arts events and MU Live.

Upon successful completion of the Pathway Program requirements, student will transfer to NDSU.

Transfer Requirements

• Successfully completing all academic readiness courses
• Completing 24 transferrable college credits
• Achieving a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above between NDSU and NDSCS
• Paying all outstanding bills related to college attendance

General education courses taken through NDSU and NDSCS will apply to NDSU degree requirements. NDSCS academic readiness classes will not apply to NDSU curriculum.

All first year students are required to live on the NDSU campus. The link to Residence Life at NDSU is www.ndsu.edu/reslife.

A first year student is defined as an individual who receives a high school diploma in January or later of the current year. PSEO or Advanced Placement credits are not considered when determining first year status.

You may qualify for an exemption to this policy if you:

• Are living with a parent or guardian at their primary residence within a 35 mile radius of campus
• Are enrolled in nine or fewer credit hours during both the fall and spring semesters
• Have custody of a child
• Are married
• Have extenuating circumstances such as a severe medical condition, financial hardship for which there is no other solution or family consideration.

You should not make alternate living arrangements prior to submitting a request and receiving approval.

NDSCS combines tuition and fees from both NDSU and NDSCS into one bill, which is paid to NDSCS.

• For NDSCS classes, students are charged an NDSCS per credit tuition/one flat rate per credit hour, whether you are in-state or out-of-state.
• For NDSU classes, students are charged tuition and fees based on their state of residence.
• Room and meal plans are based on NDSU rates.

Estimated Educational Costs

• Pathway Program Costs - Living at Home
• Pathway Program Costs - Living at NDSU

Tuition and fees are due in early September for fall semester and early January for spring semester. Additional information about tuition and fees, as well as billing, is covered during an orientation and registration session. Your billing information will be sent to your campus email account.

All financial aid is administered through NDSCS.

Steps for financial aid:

1. Apply for a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) with the U.S. Department of Education for both parent and student. The FSA ID allows the student and parent to sign applications and promissory notes electronically. The process will create the FSA ID immediately, but the FSA ID will take 1 to 3 days to activate.
2. Complete your FAFSA online at StudentAid.gov. Choose the NDSCS Institution Code 002996. You may apply after October 1 for the following academic year. Priority funding deadline for some programs is April 15 of each year. A new FAFSA must be filled out every year.
3. Review and Accept your Award. In June, you will receive an email from NDSCS instructing how to go online to review and accept your financial aid. Your financial aid will not be processed until you have accepted your award online.
4. Complete Entrance Loan Counseling and Sign Master Promissory Note If you are receiving a student loan for the first time, you must complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Loan Counseling. Students can do this at any time at StudentAid.gov. You will log into the site using your FSA ID and password. The links to complete the MPN and Entrance Loan Counseling are under the drop-down menu "Complete Aid Process".

For more information, please visit NDSCS.edu/Paying-College

Students with a documented physical, psychological, sensory or learning disability may be eligible for various accommodations. To receive an accommodation, students need to open a file with the NDSCS Accessibility Services Office and the NDSU Disability Services Office. The Student Accessibility Coordinator will work with the student and others in the campus community to optimize student access to educational experiences and campus facilities.

For more information or to open a file, please contact NDSCS Accessibility Services, 800 North 6th Street, Wahpeton, ND 58076, or contact Mindi Bessler at 701-671-2623 or mindi.bessler@ndscs.edu. An early contact with Accessibility Services will provide information on your eligibility and accommodations before classes begin.

Pathway Program
NDSCS-Fargo
1305 19th Ave N
Fargo, ND 58102
701-231-6925
amanda.hayes@ndscs.edu

NDSU Office of Admission, Ceres Hall 114
NDSU Dept 5230
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
701-231-8300 or 800-488-NDSU

NDSU Department of Residence Life, West Bison Court
NDSU Dept. #5310
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
701-231-7557 or 800-572-8840

NDSCS Financial Aid, Haverty Hall 115
701-671-2207 or 800-342-4325 ext. 2207