Pathway Program

The Pathway Program is a two-semester program designed to help students succeed in college. You’ll take classes that improve your reading, writing, math, study skills, and more. You’ll also grow in areas like problem-solving, wellness, confidence, and learning how to navigate college life.

You may be admitted into the Pathway Program if you:

• Are a first-time college student
• Met all NDSCS admission requirements
• Applied to NDSU but were not admitted
• Have at least a 2.1 high school GPA

While in the Pathway Program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Attend at least 75% of their classes
• Stay in good academic, financial, and conduct standing
• Complete 24 college-level credits in two semesters with a 2.0 GPA
• Take pre-selected courses designed for Pathway students
• Use tutoring and support services recommended by advisors

Students will have scheduled time for studying, tutoring, and using campus resources. You’ll be expected to use this time wisely with support from your advisors.

The Pathway Program makes your move from high school to college smoother. In your first semester, you’ll:

• Be in smaller classes with other Pathway students
• Have built-in tutoring and study time
• Work with two advisors—one from NDSCS and one from NDSU
• Meet regularly with your advisors to check on progress and talk about challenges
• Take NDSU courses built specifically for Pathway students that cover study skills, wellness, confidence, and more

You’ll also learn how to use important resources like:

• The Rising Scholars Mentorship Program
• ACE Tutoring

While in the Pathway Program, students will enroll in the following courses at NDSCS and NDSU during their two semesters in the program, depending on the need for academic readiness courses:

NDSCS

• ASC 85 – English Foundations
• ASC 88 – Writing Skills
• ASC 90 – Math Fundamentals
• ASC 93 – College Algebra Co-Requisite
• ENGL 110 – College Composition I
• ENGL 120 – College Composition II
• MATH 103 – College Algebra
• BIOL 124 – Environmental Science
• PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology
• PHIL 215 – Contemporary Moral Issues
• CSCI 101 – Digital Literacy and Software Applications
• COMM 110 – Introduction to Public Speaking
• HPER 217 – Personal and Community Health

NDSU

• UNIV 189 – Skills for Academic Success
• UNIV 142 – Resiliency: Pathways to Thriving
• UNIV 101 – Major Exploration and Academic Planning
• One, three-credit course chosen between the student and advisor

As a Pathway student, you’ll have full access to nearly all NDSU student services. These include:

• ACE Tutoring
• Career Services
• Counseling Services
• Wallman Wellness Center
• Club Sports
• Greek Life

Notes: Pathway students may not participate in NCAA sports or NDSU cheerleading due to eligibility policies.

Each entity at NDSU is entitled to their own sanctions and governing body, potentially preventing Pathway students from participating.

All Pathway students must follow NDSU’s first-year housing policy. Unless you meet an exemption, you’ll live on campus and have a meal plan.

For more information, please contact:

Jason Medders

NDSU Assistant Director of Residence Life Operations
701-231-8418
Jason.Medders@ndsu.edu

All Pathway financial aid is processed through NDSCS. NDSU will send tuition, housing, meal plans, and bookstore charges to NDSCS. When filling out your FAFSA, use NDSCS’s school code: 002996.

Cost Estimates

Questions about costs or financial aid? Contact the Business Affairs or Financial Aid Offices.