The University defines a special student as one who wishes to take courses for credit but does not intend to pursue a degree. The University can admit the student in two ways: having completed high school or holding a GED certificate. Although the initial admission as a special student does not require taking the ACT, if the student wishes to accumulate more than 21 credits as a special student or wishes to convert to a regular student before accumulating 21 credits, then the student must submit the ACT score.

In addition, in order to convert to a regular student status, the special student must satisfy all entrance requirements for a freshman or a transfer student.