Non-degree Students
Typically, non-degree students are those who wish to take courses for personal enrichment, certification or to meet pre-acceptance requirements for entry into a graduate degree program. A non-degree student is permitted to take courses at ESU, but is not admitted to any degree-granting program. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible to receive Financial Aid.
Others who may be considered for non-degree status are:
- Students enrolled in degree programs at other universities who wish to earn credit to transfer to their home institution;
- Eligible senior citizens (see "Senior Citizens"); and
- High school students who wish to enroll for courses while attending high school (see "Dual Enrollment")
Individuals who are interested in applying as non-degree students must complete a Non-Degree application found at www.esu.edu/apply.
When to Apply
Prospective non-degree applicants can start applying July 2024 to be reviewed for the Fall 2025 semester and July 2025 for Spring 2026. The application is available online at esu.edu/apply.
Admission Notification
- Applicants will receive communication throughout the admission process via the email address they provided on the application.
- Applicants should keep their address updated with ESU and check their inbox and spam folders. Email any changes to admission@esu.edu with your full name and ID number.
- Admissions decisions may be communicated by email or USPS. Applicants can also check their status online via their application portal.
Senior Citizens
Pennsylvania residents 60 years of age or older with at least one year of legal residence in the state, who are retired, may enroll as non-degree students. Course registration is on the basis of space available and is processed as a course audit request. Fees will be charged, but tuition will be waived. Please refer to the "Non-Degree Student" section for application information. For financial and billing questions contact The Student Enrollment Center at 570-422-2800.