You can take classes at the six South Dakota public universities as either a non-degree seeking student or a degree-seeking student.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

If you just want to take a few classes, then all you need to do is register for the class and complete the non-degree seeking student information form which will ask you to identify one of the six public universities as your "affiliated" school. You may take courses at any of the six public universities and the courses and their grades will be transcripted to your affiliated university.

As a non-degree seeking student you will not be eligible for financial aid or scholarships. You also will not be assigned an advisor. A non-degree seeking student is not formally admitted to any university.

Degree Seeking Students

If you wish to earn a degree, then apply for admission to one or more of the six public universities. Each program of study within a university may have its own specific admissions requirements. Therefore, not only should you complete the admissions form, but you should be aware of the specific program admissions requirements, if any.

Once you have been admitted to one or more of the six public universities, you need to declare your "home institution." This is the university from which you will earn your degree, apply and receive financial aid or scholarships, and to which courses taken from the other state universities will be automatically transferred.

Issues of academic standing will be governed by your home (if degree seeking) or affiliated (if non-degree seeking) university. Course-specific issues will be governed by the faculty instructor at the university offering the course.