Non-Drake Student Registration
Drake University offers opportunities for non-Drake students to enroll in select courses. Explore registration options, eligibility requirements, costs, and instructions for getting started.
Non-Drake Student Registration
Important Information for Visiting and Non-Degree Students
Deadlines for Spring 2027:
- Last day to submit your registration form is Wednesday, January 20th.
- Last day to add a course is Friday, January 29th.
- Last day to drop a class without a W is Friday, February 5th.
Non-degree students are limited to 9 credit hours per term (fall, spring, or summer). Some graduate programs have a limit of 6 credit hours per term (fall, spring, or summer) for non-degree-seeking students. Once 24 credit hours have been accumulated, the student will be contacted concerning his/her academic goals, past performance, and intent to seek admission to earn a degree. If the student does not intend to pursue a degree, he/she may continue as a non-degree-seeking student. Hours earned as an unclassified student may or may not apply toward a degree program. For non-degree students who would like to apply for degree-seeking admission, please refer to the admission requirements here.
Non-degree students (unclassified) are held to the same academic standing policy standards as admitted, degree-seeking students.
Non-degree students need to apply for registration every semester they want to take a course. It is required for every semester that we have documentation of what your intentions are.
Eligibility Information & Costs
Find information about eligibility requirements and the costs associated with taking courses at Drake as a non-degree student.
Students who have been denied undergraduate admission to Drake are not eligible to enroll as unclassified students without the permission of the vice president of admission and financial aid.
Candidates for non-degree student enrollment must be a current high school student or have earned their high school degree or the equivalent. High schoolers looking into taking courses at Drake, please review the section about PSEO. If seeking enrollment in graduate-level courses, students must have earned an undergraduate degree.
The cost for non-degree students for 2026-2027. For senior citizens (62+) who wish to audit a class, please click on program description below for costs.
| Part-Time (Less than 12 credit hours per semester) | Cost per credit hour |
|---|---|
|
Day/Evening |
$1,540 |
|
Summer |
$800 |
| Technology Fees | Fee |
|---|---|
| Part-Time | $95 |
| Summer | $80 |
| Holistic Wellness Fees | Fee |
|---|---|
| Part-Time | $50 |
| Course Ready Program | Fee |
|---|---|
| Part-Time | $18 per credit hour |
Undergraduate Courses
Explore undergraduate course options at Drake for visiting students, non-degree seekers, former students, high school students, and senior citizens. Select the category that best fits your situation to learn more about enrollment options.
Visiting Student from Another College/Institution
Students who regularly attend other institutions and register at Drake University for the purpose of earning credit to transfer to their home institution are required to complete the Non-Degree Application. Visiting students are encouraged to seek course-by-course approval from their home institution prior to registering for specific courses at Drake. You may need to provide copies of your transcripts to verify course prerequisites.
If you are a DMACC or Grand View University student interested in cross-enrolling at Drake, please see our information about cross-enrollment.
Non-Degree Seeking Student
Individuals who would like to register for a class at Drake but are not interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree must complete a Non-Degree Application. Formal admission to the university may not be necessary, but you may be required to provide documentation of a high school degree or equivalent.
Former Drake Student Looking to Complete Your Degree
Former Drake students who wish to re-enroll can find information about the re-enrollment request process.
High School Student Looking to Earn College Credit (PSEO)
Please visit the Post-Secondary and Dual Enrollment website. Questions about the PSEO program can be directed to the Office of Admissions.
Senior Citizen
Senior Citizens can audit a class at a discounted tuition rate. If you are over the age of 62 or older you are eligible to take non-degree courses for a lower rate of $60 per credit. These courses are audit only and you cannot take the courses for a grade. You are required to fill out a Non-Degree Application.
The tuition cost is outlined in the Student Financial Planning Tuition and Fees website: Senior Citizen-Audit a Class.
Graduate Courses
Currently Drake Law School and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences do not accept non-degree seeking students. For more information on Drake's Colleges and Schools that allow visiting students to enroll in their graduate programs, see below.
If you are interested in taking a course through Zimpleman College of Business, please complete a Non-Degree Application. To determine which class(es) you'd like to take, review the Schedule of Classes.
Application Requirements
- Non-degree application, transcripts from each institution attended, a letter from the current academic advisor stating they are in good standing with their program, and that the course(s) they wish to complete are acceptable for transfer to their current program.
- Available to current graduate students looking to transfer Drake credits to their current program.
- If you are an alum of Zimpleman's MBA, MAcc, MPA, or MSBA programs, you are also eligible to take courses as a non-degree-seeking student.
Course Registration Limits: Zimpleman College of Business allows up to 6 credits.
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
If you are interested in taking a course through the School of Journalism & Mass Communication, please complete a Non-Degree Application. To determine which class(es) you'd like to take, review the Schedule of Classes.
Application Requirements
- Non-degree application & copy of degree-posted transcript
- Course Registration Limits: The School of Journalism and Mass Communication allows for up to 9 credits.
School of Education
If you are interested in taking a course through the School of Education, please complete a Non-Degree Application. To determine which class(es) you'd like to take, review the Schedule of Classes.
- Application Requirements: Request form
- Course Registration Limits: The School of Education allows up to 6 credits.
Educator Interested in Continuing Education and Professional Development
Continuing Education & Professional Development (CEPD), located in the Zimpleman College of Business, coordinates off-campus classes across the state of Iowa. A variety of courses is scheduled each semester at locations across Iowa.
Some courses taken through CEPD may lead to endorsements or may be used in some master's degrees for licensed educators. In addition, several distance learning courses are available through CEPD in online or video formats for those who wish to renew teaching licenses or advance by credits on local salary schedules.
For information on Continuing Education & Professional Development classes, call 800-76-TEACH or visit the Continuing Education & Professional Development website.
Process for Non-Degree Registration
For graduate student non-degree registration, please follow the process outlined as listed under the appropriate College/School.
This procedure is intended only for individuals who have not been admitted to a degree program at Drake University. Current Drake students should register for classes via myDrake.
Registration priority will be given to current Drake students. The date on which non-degree-seeking students become eligible to register is available in the Registration Times (pdf).
This procedure does not guarantee enrollment.
Step 1: Determine the class(es) you wish to take: Schedule of Classes. Please do not submit a request form until the semester you desire is available to view.
Step 2: Fill out the Non-Degree Application. An identity and Drake ID number must be created for you. If you already exist in the Drake system, we have to reactivate your registration.
Step 3: Submit the request form to the Office of the Registrar.
- Submitting the form does not guarantee enrollment.
- Do not submit this form unless you agree to abide by all Drake University policies and procedures, including deadlines and procedures for fee payment and adding and dropping courses.
Step 4: Await a response from a Registrar staff member. You will receive an email at the email address you provided on your request form.
Depending on your background and the specifics of the class, you may be asked to provide more detailed information, including transcripts and/or speak to representatives of the department or college to which the course belongs, before being allowed to register.
Upon approval of your request, you will receive an email that includes your Drake ID number and instructions on how to log in and register for the class you requested.