NDSU Academic Calendar

North Dakota State University (NDSU), located in Fargo, North Dakota, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. The university structures its academic year into three main terms: fall, spring, and summer. The fall semester typically begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the spring semester runs from mid-January to early May. The summer term offers shorter, intensive sessions between May and August, catering to students seeking accelerated coursework or additional credits. NDSU’s calendar includes standard breaks such as Thanksgiving, winter break, and spring break, aligning with common academic schedules across the United States. This structure supports a balance of rigorous academics and necessary downtime for students and faculty alike.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated) - Classes begin for the fall term.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025 - University closed, no classes held.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–28, 2025 (estimated) - No classes, university offices may have limited hours.
• Final Exams (Fall): December 15–19, 2025 (estimated) - End-of-term assessments for fall courses.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025–January 11, 2026 (estimated) - University closed for the holiday season.
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (estimated) - Classes resume for the spring term.
• Spring Break: March 16–20, 2026 (estimated) - Mid-semester break, no classes.
• Final Exams (Spring): May 4–8, 2026 (estimated) - End-of-term assessments for spring courses.
• Commencement: May 9, 2026 (estimated) - Graduation ceremonies for spring graduates.

• Priority Application Deadline: February 1, 2025 (estimated) - Recommended deadline for first-year students to ensure consideration for scholarships and housing.
• Regular Decision Deadline: August 1, 2025 (estimated) - Final deadline for fall 2025 enrollment applications.
• FAFSA Priority Deadline: March 1, 2025 (estimated) - Submit financial aid forms for maximum aid consideration.
• Admission Decision Notifications: Rolling basis, typically within 4–6 weeks of application submission - Applicants are notified of acceptance status.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated) - Deadline to confirm intent to enroll and secure a spot for fall 2025.

The academic calendar at North Dakota State University aligns closely with regional and national norms for semester-based systems, particularly in the Midwest, where late August starts and mid-May conclusions are standard. Breaks such as Thanksgiving and spring break correspond with public holidays and seasonal patterns, offering predictability for students and families. For international students, NDSU’s rolling admissions process and extended application windows provide flexibility, though early submission is encouraged to accommodate visa processing timelines. Additionally, the summer term offers opportunities for accelerated learning or catching up on credits, which can be particularly beneficial for students balancing research or internship commitments. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on historical patterns, they reflect NDSU’s consistent scheduling approach.