Click here to access the PDF version of our Non-Degree Student Guide.
A non-degree student is a student who attends classes at Carnegie Mellon, but who has not been admitted into a specific degree program. Anyone may take courses as a non-degree student for three semesters. After three semesters, students must be admitted into a degree program in order to continue taking courses. The following are exempt from this limitation: High school students; students taking only summer courses; students taking only graduate courses; and Carnegie Mellon staff, faculty and retirees.
All students are responsible for paying their accounts in full by the semester payment deadline. (See the Academic Calendar for dates).
Part-time charges are on a per-unit basis. Please see the Schedule of Classes for the correct number of units. Non-degree students who register for undergraduate level courses are assessed part-time tuition. (See Tuition & Fees page for complete information). After 36 units, tuition will be assessed at the full-time rate. Students registering for graduate level courses are assessed tuition at the appropriate graduate per unit tuition charge. Non-degree students registered for courses of varying levels will be assessed tuition based upon the part-time per unit tuition rate applicable to each course. Those registering for summer courses are charged $308 per unit. Fall and spring high school students are assessed at 50 percent of the current rate.
Example: A student is registered for one nine-unit undergraduate course and a 12-unit
Mellon College of Science affiliated graduate course. The tuition is assessed as follows:
Non-Degree Student Fees
Student Activities Fee |
$92 per semester |
Technology Fee |
$75 per semester |
Additional Fees
Some courses may require payment of lab or other fees.
To register as a non-degree student, follow these steps in order:
Complete a Non-Degree Student Registration Form. THIS MUST BE COMPLETED FOR EACH SEMESTER THAT YOU WISH TO ENROLL AS A NON-DEGREE STUDENT, PRIOR TO REGISTERING FOR CLASSES. A one-time $25 application fee is payable at the time you submit your application. Carnegie Mellon faculty, staff and retirees are exempt from this fee.
Check the Schedule of Classes prior to registration week.
Register for courses by visiting On-Line Registration (if you have an Andrew User ID) or by visiting the teaching department for registration.
Non-degree students may contact an Associate Dean for assistance with schedule planning or questions about prerequisites.