Getting Started...
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Step 1: Apply for Admission
CSN has an open door admissions policy, meaning that anyone is welcome to enroll at CSN*. There are no pre-admission standards and we do not require new students to provide transcripts from previous schools. If you have previous college credits that you'd like to count toward your program at CSN you may submit your transcripts to the Office of the Registrar.
*Any U.S. citizen, resident alien or qualified international student who is a high school or GED graduate, may enroll in any general program offered by CSN. If you are seeking admissions assistance please contact the Student Recruitment office.
New students need to Apply for Admission Online. A $5 one-time nonrefundable fee will be charged to new students. (Printable copy of Admissions Checklist).
International students may ONLY apply through the International Center. A $50 nonrefundable fee must be submitted with all international student applications. The international student application and list of required documents may be found here.
Step 2: Apply for Financial Aid
All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid. You should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Financial Aid) and CSN Scholarship Application as soon as possible. This is the first step to receive assistance for tuition, books, and supplies. Funds are limited and there may be fewer funds available for late applicants, although we continue to award aid throughout the year. Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. See Financial Aid for more information. (Printable copy of CSN Financial Aid Checklist).
International students are not eligible for financial aid.
Step 3: Take Placement Tests
Placement tests analyze the skills a student possesses. Practice tests are available via the Placement Testing page. Upon completion of the placement test, students are placed into a course proper for each student's skill level. Placement tests can be taken at the Testing Center on any of the three main campuses.
Placement tests are required for all new students seeking a degree or transferring credits to CSN. Math and English placement tests are required, even if the student is NOT taking math or English this semester (exemption: valid SAT or ACT scores). New transfer students are also required to take placement exams if they have not completed a college-level English or mathematics course/equivalent with a C or better after validation of official or unofficial transcript by the Office of the Registrar.
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), requires incoming degree/transfer seeking students to complete ALL developmental math and English coursework before earning 30 credits at CSN. This policy was enacted to ensure students have a firm foundation of the subject matter since each subsequent course related to an area of study depends on prior knowledge. Students that have the prerequisite knowledge will have a better chance of success in higher level courses.
Step 4: Attend New Student Orientation
All entering students should plan to attend one of the New Student Orientation seminars prior to registration. The orientation provides information about the College, the different campuses, the advisement and registration processes as well as the services available to help students succeed.
International students must attend a separate orientation through the International Center.
Step 5: Meet Academic Counselor
Selecting your first semester of classes is exciting, but it can be confusing too. The College has a set of general education courses and each degree program has requirements. Classes chosen in the first year can impact options later in the degree or certificate program. You should know your program requirements before registering for courses and creating a schedule. Counselors and advisors help make registering at CSN faster and easier. They can assist you with selecting the correct classes, degree and certificate paths, and transferring to four-year schools.
You can visit the Counseling Department at any time or access counselors through online chat.
Note: New students interested in a limited entry health sciences program must first attend a Health Programs Orientation through the Ralph & Betty Engelstad School of Health Sciences before registering for classes. Please call (702) 651-5015 for dates, times and locations.
Step 6: Register for Classes
Students must be admitted before registering for classes. It is recommended students use MyCSN to choose the specific class(es) they would like to take. Visit Registration Information for more details.
First semester international students will conduct all registration events with an international student advisor. International students starting in summer will continue all registration events through the fall with an international student advisor and may begin online registration after the first semester.
Step 7: Pay Tuition and Fees
When students register for classes, it generates charges for Tuition and Fees. Students may pay at the Cashier's Office or by credit card through MyCSN.
Step 8: Know CSN Regulations
Read the Academic Policies & Procedures Section you are required to adhere to in order to succeed at CSN. Regulations can be viewed in CSN’s General Catalog and Student Handbook.
Welcome to CSN!
At this point in the process: your future starts here. You are officially a CSN student. Now it is up to you, so take advantage of all services, get involved, and succeed!
