Reentry, Returning Students

Important: Iowa State is implementing Workday Student as its new student information system.

The Reentry process will continue as indicated below until June 1, 2024.

• Updates on the new process will be provided on this webpage prior to June 1.

U.S. students who have been absent from Iowa State University less than 12 months may be admitted as a returning student. If more than 12 months have elapsed since last enrolled, a U.S. student must apply for reentry to the university. All international students must apply for reentry regardless of the time away from the university.

Reentering, Returning Process Information

Different processes apply for graduate, international, and undergraduate students. For more detail about the policy, see the reentry policy in the current catalog.

Download the Undergraduate Reentry Form in pdf. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Remember to sign the form.

For more information about returning or reentering Iowa State University, contact the Office of the Registrar at isuregistration@iastate.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have not been enrolled for a number of years or have earned a bachelor's degree from ISU, do I need to complete another application for admission?
No. As long as you are returning as an undergraduate student, you simply need to complete a reentry form, even if you wish to change to a different major. The form is available from the link of the left column of this page.

If I was academically dismissed will the reentry process allow me to attend ISU?
No. Students who left Iowa State in good academic standing may use the reentry process. Students who were academically dismissed and absent from the university more than 12 months must also be reinstated. The reinstatement process applies to students who were dismissed from Iowa State for academic reasons.

Will I be assessed the Records and Documents fee?

Students reentering will be assessed the Records and Documents Fee unless it was previously assessed during a prior attendance at Iowa State. The Records and Documents fee will be assessed upon entry to the university for all new undergraduate, graduate, and professional students including new direct from high school, transfer, and reentry students). This fee will replace the transcript fee, schedule change fee, and application for graduation fee.

There is a different Records fee amount for degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.  Students will only be charged this fee once in their lifetime, with the exception of students who move from non-degree to degree seeking. Additional Information can be found at http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/fees/glossary-of-fees#records.

Who should I contact if I have questions about reentering ISU?
You should contact the Office of the Registrar at 515-294-2331 or e-mail isuregistration@iastate.edu.