Special Non-Degree

Undergraduate and graduate

Special non-degree student examples:

  • A student currently enrolled at another university, interested in taking a course at UW-La Crosse during a summer or winter term & then returning to their home institution.
  • Students currently enrolled in other universities interested in participating in a UW-La Crosse education abroad program & then returning to their home institution.
  • An individual interested in taking courses (for credit or audit), but not earning a degree from UW-La Crosse
  • Individuals taking courses to fulfill prerequisite requirements for entry into a graduate program.

A special non-degree student may later be admitted as an undergraduate degree-seeking student. Individuals interested in pursuing this option should contact UW-La Crosse Admissions to review next steps specific to their situation.

Eligibility requirements expanding section
  • Successful completion of appropriate preparatory coursework and prerequisites
Application & registration expanding section
  • SUBMIT A UW SYSTEM APPLICATION
    • UW System Application
      • Complete the following sections as indicated:
        • ARE YOU APPLYING AS A DEGREE-SEEKING STUDENT?  Select: No
        • CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM Select: Undergraduate Special Non-Degree
      • Application fee is not required for Special Non-Degree
  • SUBMIT OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT
    • Transcripts must be sent directly from high school to UWL Admissions
  • ENROLL IN COURSE(S)
    • View course descriptions and schedule of classes for the upcoming term. 
    • Special Non-Degree students register after degree-seeking students. Registration instructions are sent to admitted Special Non-Degree students prior to the corresponding term's enrollment date.
    • Courses that are full or require special permission from the instructor, department chair, and/or dean, require an override.
      • Override permission forms must be requested from the academic department corresponding to the course in question.
      • Submit completed override forms to UW-La Crosse Records and Registration, 117 Graff Main Hall.
  • NEXT STEPS
Tuition and fees expanding section
  • Students will be billed according to the UWL undergraduate tuition & fee schedule. Visit our Cost to Attend page to access this information and estimate your bill.
  • Minnesota residents should apply for reciprocity.
  • Special Non-Degree students are not eligible to receive financial aid except in specific situations (see below):
    • Student is completing course/s as part of a qualifying, approved license/certificate.
    • Student is completing undergraduate coursework to fulfill prerequisites for a master's program.