How to Apply: Non-Degree Students

To take college courses as a high school student, you must:

• Have the approval of your parents and your high school and submit the UW System ECCP Participation Form (this form also serves as the High School Special Agreement form).
• Complete the UW System Application.
• Rank in the top 50% of your high school class OR have an ACT composite score of 22 or higher (SAT equivalent 1030 or higher) OR have a 2.75 GPA or higher.
• Be on track to meet UW-Stout's general admission requirements in regard to course completion.
• Submit your transcripts.
• You do not need to indicate a major or provide an ACT/SAT score (unless it is to meet eligibility criteria above).

• Students participating in these offerings should understand that these are real college courses for real college credit. The course grades will go on an official college transcript (permanent record). Students should be confident they are ready to take on the challenging work of a college course before enrolling.
• High school students are not eligible for financial aid.
• Generally you may be considered for enrollment in freshman- or sophomore-level courses (you'll see these are listed in the "100" or "200" range). 
• ECCP and Special Student course requests are taken into consideration after continuing university students, new first year, and new transfer students have been given the opportunity to register. Spots in courses are not guaranteed.
• Registration in English and math courses will depend upon your UW System Placement Exam results.

Curious what are the most popular courses for high school students? Here's a short list, but there are many more to choose from:

• Financial aid is not available to special students.
• Registration in English and math courses will depend upon your UW System Placement Exam results.
• After you have completed 12 credits as a special student, you may apply to become a full degree-seeking student. At this point you'll need to complete the standard application process required of New First Year or Transfer Students, depending on the category you fall into. 
• You may accumulate a maximum of 29 credits as a special student.

• Typically, financial aid is not available to non-degree graduate students.
• If you are pursuing Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) certification options, you are required to submit additional application materials.
• If you are pursuing a Certificate, an additional application may be required.
• Special students may enroll in any 500 or 600 level course, as well as most 700 level courses. Certain 700 level courses such as research, practicum and internship, and all 800 level courses are restricted to degree-seeking students. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
• There is no limit on the number of total credits that can be taken as a non-degree seeking student. However, the number of such credits that can be applied toward a degree program is limited to one-third of the minimum number of credits required for graduation in that program. Individual programs may set a lower limit for such credits, as long as it has been approved through the official curriculum process.
• While taking individual coursework, you may apply to become a full degree-seeking student. At this point you'll need to complete the standard Graduate Student application process. Similarly, students who are in good standing in a degree program may request a change to non-degree student status.
• Completion of courses while enrolled as a non-degree student does not guarantee admission into a program. If a special student decides to enter a specific graduate program, the student must meet the specific admission criteria requested by that program.
• As necessary, non-degree seeking students are advised in pursuing their non-program coursework by the director of the Graduate School.
• If you have been dropped from a graduate program, you are not eligible to pursue coursework as a non-degree student.