Early Entry

Students who take early entry courses often have lower tuition. Taking college courses while still in high school allows you to have less student debt when you graduate with a two- or four-year degree.

Many students start college not knowing what they want to do when they graduate. This often means they change majors two or three times before graduating. Being able to try courses and possible career paths means you're less likely to change majors and more likely to graduate on time and with less student debt!

Going from high school into college is often intimidating. By taking college classes while you're a high school student, you can use your current support systems and experience what a college course requires. This experience sets you up for success and a much easier transition!

Studies have found that students who complete college courses before graduating high school are far more likely to graduate from college.

Create or log into your application here.

• Use the code DSUEarly to apply for free!

Immunizations

The North Dakota University System requires that new students provide documentation of immunity for certain diseases unless an exemption is accepted. For more details on these requirements or potential exemptions click here.

Fill out and email the Early Entry Agreement Form. A parent or guardian must sign the form to give you permission to enroll in the course and to accept financial responsibility.

Math and English courses require a qualifying placement score. You may submit ACT or SAT scores or complete the Accuplacer placement exam through the DSU Testing Center to place into Math and English courses at DSU.

Students should have an application on file with Dickinson State University before scheduling their exam.

Schedule Accuplacer Exam

There is a $30 fee for each appointment to cover the cost of the exam and proctoring. Fee should be paid online here prior to the exam.

Some courses may require a prerequisite to enroll in the class. You can find course requirements in the DSU Catalog or by contacting the Early Entry Coordinator.

BND Dual Credit and Early Entry Assistance

The Bank of North Dakota provides financial assistance to pay for up to two dual credit or early entry courses per school year if you meet the following qualifications:

• are a current sophomore, junior or senior attending a North Dakota high school,
• receive authorization from your high school to take the approved dual credit or early entry course,
• qualify for free or reduced price lunch, and
• submit an application for assistance to BND during the course enrollment process.

Do you meet all four of these? If you do, go ahead and fill out this Dual Credit Assistance Application.

—To qualify for the following scholarships, please submit a copy of your high school transcript.—

High School “High Fliers” Scholarship

• The High School “High Fliers” Scholarship is available to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
• You must have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA
• You must provide an official in-progress high school transcript.
• The “High Fliers” Scholarship is renewable as long as you keep a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in DSU coursework and are continuing your high school education.
• When you graduate high school or earn your GED, you may apply for other scholarship or awards programs at DSU to receive aid.

View High Fliers Scholarship Flyer

Early Entry Scholarship

• You must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or receive administrative referral to be eligible.
• To be eligible to renew these scholarships each semester, you must receive a C or better in DSU courses you've completed.
• DSUHF will provide a scholarship for $80 per credit for up to three credits per class to qualified students. Funds are limited.
• You must be a Stark County high school student.
• Apply to DSU's Early Entry program. No additional scholarship application needed. Cannot be combined with the High Fliers Scholarship.

*Students will be expected to complete a DSU Heritage Foundation scholarship packet before funds are disbursed.*

Dickinson High School Partnership and Tuition Agreement

The Dickinson High School partnership and tuition agreement helps DHS career academies and DSU’s dual mission. Recognized in 2021 with the Governor’s Award for System Transformation, this partnership gives DHS students the option to pursue dual credit, early entry, and/or traditional high school courses on the DSU campus. DHS students who have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher qualify for tuition assistance that reduces the cost per credit to approximately the subsidized dual credit rate for up to 3 credits a semester. This program is supported by Dickinson Public Schools, Dickinson State University, and the DSU Heritage Foundation.

To get enrolled in early entry classes, you must complete Early Entry Orientation. At orientation, you will claim your account, complete tech set up, enroll in classes, and receive a parking permit and DSU Student ID card.

Enrolling in online or DSUlive™ classes from a distance? There is an online Early Entry Orientation available for you too.

You and/or your parents or guardians are responsible for buying your textbook(s). You can either buy them at the DSU Bookstore in our Student Center or order them online through the DSU Bookstore.

If enrolled in courses on campus, check your schedule in Campus Connection for course location and times.

If enrolled in Online or DSU Live courses, you can access your course by logging into DSU Blackboard. Your courses won’t show up in Blackboard until the first day of school.

• Contact the Early University Coordinator for assistance with online classes. You can also find Online Student Support Resources here.

Tuition and fees cost is based on the student’s high school.

• Cost Sheet - DHS
• Cost Sheet - High Fliers

Learn more about the cost to attend DSU. For questions, please contact the Early University Coordinator.

Payment can be made through Campus Connection once any eligible scholarships or waivers have been applied. Contact the Early University Coordinator for questions.

It is understood all DSU policies and procedures will be adhered to in regard to the due dates, late fees, attendance, dropping classes, or withdrawing to zero credits.