Non-Degree Students

Sometimes a degree isn’t the ultimate goal . . .

There are lots of reasons you might choose to take a class at BMCC:

supplement your degree at another college or university,
brush up on a subject area prior to sitting for an exam,
gain new skills to change careers,
stay sharp for graduate school, or
explore topics you are passionate about.

If any of these sound like you, non-degree status is the perfect solution.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who has earned a high school diploma or passed a high-school equivalency exam is welcome to take non-degree courses at BMCC. Including,

Visiting students from other colleges
Students who have already earned a college degree
Professionals who want to learn new skills
Senior citizens (60+) who would like to audit a course (for free!)

Which courses are available?

BMCC’s entire range of courses is available for non-degree study. We boast a wide variety of courses in more than 50 different academic programs for you to choose from. For your convenience, we offer both classroom and online learning options, as well as evening, weekend, and off-site classes throughout the city. Credits you earn are transferable to degree programs at BMCC or other colleges.

In addition, non-degree students may also choose from courses available through our Continuing Education and Workforce Development programs.

Course Permissions

Non-degree students are eligible to take most courses at BMCC without permission or showing the completion of prerequisites with the exception of specialized courses (e.g. Practicums, Allied Health/Nursing, etc.), Math and English courses.

Students looking to complete math and/or English courses at BMCC must provide one of the following prior to registering for the course:

An unofficial college transcript showing courses completed* OR
Standardized Exam Score Report (e.g. Advanced Placement -AP) OR
High School transcript*

* Please note the math department requires students to show high school completion in order to register for math courses.

Students should submit the documentation with their name, CUNYfirst ID, and requested course (e.g. MAT 206, ENG 311) to the appropriate academic department. For the math department please email math@bmcc.cuny.eduand for the English department please contact them at english@bmcc.cuny.edu. The department will review your request and let you know if you are approved to register for the course(s).

How much does it cost?

Your tuition is calculated based on two things: where you live and how many credits the classes you choose are worth. Students taking a non-degree course pay the “non-matriculated” tuition rate.

New York City residents pay $265 per credit, and out-of-city residents pay $420 per credit. Most classes are 3-4 credits. You may review tuition details on the Bursar’s webpage. Look for your tuition rate in the ‘Non-Matriculated Students’ row.

Federal and state financial aid may not be applied to classes taken in non-degree status.

Please note, there is a $65 application fee.

Senior Citizens

New York City residents who are 60 years old or older, and audit courses as non-matriculated students, are granted a tuition waiver and charged a $65 senior citizen fee per semester. Senior citizens are also charged the consolidated services fee and any penalty fee that may be incurred (i.e. program change or late registration fee); senior citizens do not pay Student Activities fees or application fees.

How to Apply