1. Get Admitted and Explore Financial Aid Options

Admission at College of DuPage is open to anyone who is a high school graduate, has earned a GED or HSE or is at least 18-years-old.

• Submit your online admissions application.
• Once you submit your application, we will create your COD Username and send it to your personal email. An email titled “COD Student Portal Username” will contain your COD Username and information on setting up your password and accessing your student email account.
• Setup your student email account. 
• Learn about tuition and fees.
• Apply for financial aid and explore scholarship options to help you pay for tuition, fees and books.
• Visit COD on campus or virtually to get familiar with the campus.

2. Determine Placement

Reading/Writing Placement

COD uses multiple measures to ensure you are placed in the correct course level. Submit one of the items under Placement Options to determine your reading/writing placement. An official high school transcript is required to waive the prerequisite requirements, as well as for financial aid verification.

If you can't meet the options above to determine your placement, you will need to complete one of the following free options:

• Guided self-placement for native English speakers
  (log on to the Student Portal, click on myACCESS, and then Guided Self Placement)
• Reading and writing placement testing for non-native English speakers (click on the Non-Native English Speakers tab under Placement Options)

Math Placement

Students may not be required to take the ALEKS math placement test if they can meet certain math placement requirements.

Students who are unable to meet any of the above-mentioned requirements MUST take the ALEKS PPL math placement test. ALEKS PPL is used at College of DuPage to assess your current math skills, create a personalized learning path to help refresh and improve your math knowledge and place you into an appropriate math course based on your best proctored assessment. Mathematical and quantitative skills are used on a daily basis throughout your personal and professional life. Placement into the right math course saves time and money. Get started with your ALEKS placement test.

3. Meet with a Counselor or Advisor

A counselor or advisor can help you identify courses you need to take and can help you create an educational plan. Determine your placement before you meet with a counselor or advisor.

• Schedule an appointment with a counselor or advisor by calling (630) 942-2259.
• Meet with a counselor or advisor every semester to ensure you are in the right educational pathway.

4. Register for Classes and Pay for Tuition

Once you’ve met with your counselor and you have established courses you need to take, review the payment policy and explore payment options. You can then register for classes online, in-person, by phone or through an app.

• Review the payment policy and explore payment options.
• Register for classes.
• Pay for tuition.

5. Get Connected for a Successful Start

After you've registered for your classes, learn more about student life, student resources and activities that are available on campus.

• All first-time in college students are encouraged to enroll in COLLG 1100 – College Path QuickStart. This course is an introduction to the first semester experience at College of DuPage, designed to assist students in taking initial steps toward developing a successful academic path.
• Sign-up for New Student Orientation (NSO). NSO is available every fall and spring semester and is an exciting introduction to everything College of DuPage has to offer. 
• View student and academic resources that are available to you to help you succeed in your studies.