Non-degree students are individuals who do not intend to earn any credential or degree from UWM.
Who Can Take Classes
- Guest students who are enrolled at another university and would like to pick up one or more UWM courses to transfer back to their home university. Please note that transferability is determined by your home university, and students are encouraged to verify transferability before enrolling at UWM.
- Students who need to take one or more classes for professional development or career advancement. This includes students making a career change who need to complete pre-requisite coursework before applying to a master’s or PhD program.
- Students wishing to take a class for personal enrichment.
- Auditors who want to take a class, but not receive credit or a grade. Auditors are not required to complete assignment or take exams. Please note that not all courses are open to auditors, and registration is limited based on available seats.
Credits & Advising
Credits earned as a non-degree student (other than audit) are full college credits and can be used in the future towards a degree or to transfer to another college or university. Non-degree students can also receive academic advising from a professional advisor.
Tuition for In-Person or Hybrid Non-Degree Students
Non-degree students who take in-person or hybrid courses pay the same tuition and fees as degree-seeking UWM students.
Tuition for Fully Online Non-Degree Students
Fully online non-degree undergraduate students taking only classes in the College of Letters & Science may qualify to opt into fully online program pricing which is currently (2024-25 school year) $395 per credit. Read more about whether online pricing is best for you on our online programs page. If you choose to opt into online program pricing and have not already made those arrangements upon admissions, the opt in form will be found on that same page.
Tuition for Guest Non-Degree Students
Guest students who are admitted for one non-standard semester only (summer or winter) pay the same standard tuition and fees as degree-seeking UWM students. At this time, guest students are not eligible for online program pricing even if they are enrolled fully online in the College of Letters & Science.
Tuition for Auditors
Most auditors, whether fully online or in-person, already pay a lower-than-standard tuition rate because they are not receiving college credit. And, Wisconsin residents who are 60 years of age or older or who are disabled may qualify for free auditing.
Auditors who think they may benefit from the online program pricing can contact let-sci@uwm.edu for consultation.
Contact Us
Questions about our programs can be directed to let-sci@uwm.edu.