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How to Become a Durham Tech Student

Becoming a student is easy and we're here to help you every step of the way. Choose a step and a dropdown box will show more information.

1. Choose a program that fits your goals.

View programs and pathways offered at Durham Tech or start by choosing a career and learn which program and pathway will help you reach that goal.

For students whose first language is not US English, the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program can help improve their higher-level English skills necessary to successfully complete coursework.

2. Complete an online application.

The enrollment application is available online through the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC). Use the same username and password created for RDS (see Step 3).

View information about enrollment due dates.

High school seniors who have not yet graduated receive provisional acceptance to the college once they have completed the enrollment application and residency determination. This allows students to get a head start on completing the enrollment process. View enrollment steps for high school seniors.

3. Complete the residency determination to establish if students qualify for in-state or out-of-state tuition.

The state requires students to submit evidence of residency status when completing a college application. The process is completed online through the Residency Determination Service (RDS). View more information about the residency determination and how to complete it. 

4. Complete a ConnectSession. 

ConnectSession is Durham Tech's new student orientation. It is encouraged for all new students, students with fewer than 12 completed credits, students with fewer than 12 transferred credits, and strongly recommended for all students.

Students may attend in person on the Main Campus or Orange County Campus or it can be completed online. Learn more about what is covered in a ConnectSession and how to schedule it.

5. Apply for financial aid.

All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid. View information about how to apply, frequently asked questions, and contact a financial aid advisor if you have any questions.

Students must be admitted to an eligible program of study to receive financial aid. Visiting students do not qualify.

6. Submit official transcripts.

There are two options for submitting transcripts:

  • Mail or hand deliver sealed, official documents to:
    Admissions, Registration, and Records
    1637 E. Lawson St., Durham, NC, 27703-5023
     
  • Request electronic transcripts through an approved transcript service such as ACT, CFNC, College Board, Joint Services Transcripts, National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment, ScribOnline and Script-Safe. List transcripts@durhamtech.edu as the recipient address.

At minimum, students must provide the following documentation for admission into a program:

  • High school/GED®/HiSET® graduates – An official transcript or original diploma to be copied. Official transcripts of homeschool organizations must be accompanied by a copy of the verification of state authority to operate.
  • College graduates – Official transcript only.
  • Some college, no degree – Official high school transcript or original diploma to be copied and official college transcripts.

7. Provide proof of placement.

Durham Tech accepts students’ college transcripts; unweighted high school GPA; and ACT, SAT, GED®, HiSET®, NCDAP, COMPASS, ASSET, and ACCUPLACER scores for college placement. Learn how to submit test scores to Durham Tech.

Students who have completed associate degrees or higher from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States are college-ready and can take any gateway 100-level course on their plan of study. Students with associate degrees or higher from other countries should contact the Center for the Global Learner for support.  

Students who do not already hold an associate degree or higher from the United States must use their unweighted high school GPA for placement if they graduated from an accredited high school in the United States. ACT, SAT, GED, HiSET, NCDAP, COMPASS, ASSET, and ACCUPLACER scores can be used for placement within 10 years from the date taken. 

Students who lack an unweighted high school GPA and who have ACT, SAT, GED, HiSET, NCDAP, COMPASS, ASSET, and/or ACCUPLACER scores from the past 10 years that do not place them into college-level courses (with or without corequisite support courses) will be required to take the RISE placement test.

View test prep materials and testing schedules. Students require a student ID number and a photo ID to take the test.

Some Health Technologies programs have specific requirements which could include additional testing.

8. Meet with an advisor.

Academic advising at Durham Tech is the key to college success. Advisors help students determine their interests, explore career options, set academic goals, select courses, answer questions about their program of study, and ensure they’re ready for registration. Students must meet with an advisor every semester before registering for courses.

Find your academic advisor and view options for meeting.

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In compliance with federal requirements, Durham Tech provides information on campus security and safety measures and statistics.