Non-Degree Student Admissions
Want to take a class or two at Colorado State University? We’re here to support your personal and professional growth.
Anyone is welcome to take classes at Colorado State University without being admitted to a degree-seeking program.
Who's a non-degree student?
Find more information based on the semester you want to take classes, whether you want to be in person or online, or if there are particular courses you want to take.
- GUEST program — fall and spring on-campus or hybrid schedule
- Summer-Only program — summer on-campus or hybrid schedule
- CSU Online — fall, spring, and summer online classes
- Intensive English program — English language classes for non-native speakers
GUEST fall and spring classes
The GUEST (Granting University Enrollment for a Specific Term) program is our open-enrollment, non-degree registration option for individuals who wish to take up to two classes (six credits) during a fall or spring semester without applying for admission to a degree or certificate program. You can take on-campus classes, or a mix of on-campus and online classes.
The credits you earn as a non-degree GUEST student may count toward a CSU degree after regular admission is granted. These courses also are transferable to other colleges and universities. GUEST students register for classes on a space-available basis at the start of the academic term.
Students from Aims Community College can apply for GUEST as part of the Aims Exchange Program.
Students wishing to take fall or summer classes online only must use the CSU Online application.
Summer-Only Program
Summer Session offers an open-enrollment non-degree option, referred to as “Summer-Only” enrollment. The credits you earn as a non-degree, Summer-Only student may count toward a CSU degree after regular admission is granted. These credits are transferable to other colleges and universities. You can take on-campus classes, or a mix of on-campus and online classes.
Summer Session offers flexibility for balancing learning with other summer plans through three 4-week terms, two 8-week terms and a 12-week term. Additional terms of varying length include field classes, internships and weekend classes. Summer Session supports focused study while providing the opportunity to complete a difficult course, fulfill a prerequisite, concentrate on one or two classes, or enroll in a special-topic course.
Individuals interested in Summer-Only registration are encouraged to apply by March 1 for first access to course registration, which opens the third week in March. Applications can be submitted year-round; application processing begins February 15.
Students wishing to take summer classes online only must use the CSU Online application.
Online-only classes
CSU Online offers a variety of benefits to non-degree students:
- Choose online, distance, or off-campus courses
- Take courses for academic credit and/or professional development
- Select from a variety of subject areas, including sustainability, agriculture, engineering, and human resources
- Register through CSU Online without being required to complete an admission or GUEST application
In addition, there are no credit limits, and CSU Online registration occurs year-round, well in advance of the beginning of the term. To find out more, explore online and off-campus courses offered through CSU Online.
Students wishing to take on-campus classes or a mix of on-campus and online classes as a non-degree student must use the GUEST or Summer-Only application.
Students wishing to enroll in a CSU Online degree completion program must apply for admission and be formally admitted to CSU.
Intensive English Program
Those who have basic English skills but need more English instruction and improvement to be successful in a U.S. higher education setting should consider the Intensive English Program. This accredited IEP program is an intensive, immersive language experience that is either one, two, or three semesters long, based on the needs of each individual student. To learn more and apply, please contact the Programs for Learning Academic and Community English (PLACE).