Reviewed & Updated: August 2025
Undeclared (Non-Program) Admission
Students who have not yet earned a high school diploma or equivalent, or those looking to enroll in a course (versus a program), should complete an application for admission to Nicolet College as non-program (Undeclared) students.
Exceptions
High school seniors that plan to enroll in the summer term following their senior year are exempt
High school students who are enrolling in a program that is one term in length (e.g., EMT 1, Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy)
Students without a high school diploma or equivalent are ineligible for federal financial aid. Students that apply as undeclared may enroll in courses that count toward their desired program (with certain exceptions outlined in the Minimum Age for Enrollment Policy) and be enrolled in that program pending receipt of their high school diploma, General Education Development certificate (GED) or high school equivalency diploma (HSED). Students still in high school must follow the Minimum Age for Enrollment policy and obtain required permissions.
Declared (Program) Admission
Students who seek to enroll in an academic programs should complete an application for admission to Nicolet College as a program student. Admission to Nicolet College is open to individuals who feel they can benefit from the instruction offered. Individuals who hold a high school diploma, a high school equivalency diploma (HSED), or a General Education Development certificate (GED) are eligible to enroll in post-secondary programs consistent with their ability levels. Students who do not have a GED or HSED can enroll in programs designed to assist them with earning those credentials, including the federal Ability to Benefit pathway. Note: Students who have not earned a high school diploma, GED certificate, or HSED cannot receive Title IV financial aid without participation in an Ability to Benefit pathway.
Within the Declared (Program) admissions process, Nicolet College requires official transcripts (secondary, post-secondary, GED/HSED) be sent directly to Nicolet College from a third party credential service such as Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Exceptions may be made by the admissions manager on a case-by-case basis.
Because students have varied levels of educational preparation, and College programs and courses vary widely in levels of difficulty, admissions services are designed to provide the best match for an individual’s abilities, interests, and academic aptitudes. As part of the matching process, applicants may undergo assessment prior to being accepted into a program.
High school students without a diploma or equivalent (excluding high school seniors) should apply to Nicolet College through the Undeclared (Non-program) admission process. However, those working with the dual-credit coordinator with a strong likelihood of completing the program prior to completing high school may be enrolled in the desired program during the last term of program coursework with permission by the Admissions office.