Parents & Family

Admission FAQs

What do you look for in an applicant to UMD? How do I apply?

Application Process and Policies for New Students
Application Process and Policies for Transfer Students

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How big is UMD?

UMD's main campus is located on 247 acres and the physical plant of 50 campus buildings is all inter-connected by hallways and concourses. Duluth's campus enrolls 10,114 students, about 8,662 of whom are undergraduates working toward baccalaureate degrees. Approximately 540 students are enrolled in graduate programs, and an additional 112 students are enrolled in our medical school. UMD offers 73 different majors leading to 11 baccalaureate degrees, and eight pre-professional programs.

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What is UMD best known for?

This may, in fact, be the most frequently asked question and the most difficult one to answer. Each of our collegiate units has a number of strengths. We provide many of the opportunities and resources characteristic of larger universities, and yet we have a sense of community more commonly found at a smaller college. The best way to experience this extraordinary place is to visit our campus.

Undergraduate Majors and Programs 

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What is the student to faculty ratio?

The student to faculty ratio is 20:1, and 80% of our full-time faculty has a doctorate or terminal degree in the field in which they are teaching. UMD offers over 1,200 undergraduate courses and 87% of the classes have 40 students or less.

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What percentage of your population are students of color?

In the fall of 2003, UMD enrolled 467 students of color, which is 5% of our total student population.  For more information on services offered please click on the link below.

 Multicultural Programs at UMD

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My son/daughter has taken Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or PSEO classes (Non U of M). Will students get credit for my work?

Yes. Policies can be found at these links:
Advanced Placement
International Baccalaureate
Online Transfer Manuals (PSEO Program)

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What types of extra curricular activities are offered on campus?

The UMD Outdoor Program offers extensive outdoor programming as well as educational programming. In addition, there are approximately 120 student organizations including professional, political and social action, religious, greek, recreational, and special interest groups.

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What types of entertainment are offered in the Duluth community?

Duluth is an international shipping port (population 86,819) and offers something for everyone in all seasons. UMD is minutes away from Lake Superior, the Spirit Mountain ski area, the Miller Hill Mall and the special shops and eateries of Canal Park. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which is only a few hours up the North Shore highway.

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Are first-year students required to live on campus the first year?

No; however, about 85% of them do and about 38% of our total population lives either in the residence halls or university apartments. We strongly encourage first-year students to live on campus due to the proximity and accessibility of the residence halls to classes. In addition, the first year is the optimal time to become involved in campus organizations, meet new friends and establish relationships that may continue beyond the college years.

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Are first-year students allowed to bring a car?

Yes, first-year students may bring a car to campus. Parking permits are available for purchase and parking is available near the residence halls. However, Duluth has an extensive transit system so it may not be necessary to have a car on campus. All UMD students can ride the bus FREE by showing their U-Card (University ID) to the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) driver.  The U-Card is good on any bus at any time and several routes start/terminate at the campus. With regard to traveling home for visits, Duluth does have a bus terminal and an airport nearby. UMD also has a "ride board" where students can make arrangements to ride share with other students headed in the same direction.  Duluth Transit Authority Website

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How is housing assigned?

Housing is assigned on a priority basis according to date of application for admission. Students who return housing contracts by April 15th will be assigned a space in university housing or university-sponsored housing based on the date of application for admission to UMD and the availability of space. Students who wish to share a room with a friend should apply for admission within a month of one another and each should indicate the preferred roommate on the housing application.

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Can I have a computer in my residence hall?

Yes, you can. Each residence hall room has an optional computer connection for each resident. Students can purchase a kit at the Computer Corner (store on campus), which will enable access to the network via an ethernet connection.  All students have Internet and e-mail and numerous computer labs are located throughout the campus.  Additional information about computers.

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Do you offer services for students who have disabilities?

The UMD Access Center promotes both academic and physical access to students with disabilities, providing services on an individual and flexible basis. More information is provided in the link above.

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Deadlines

• September, October and November: Apply for admission.
• January: Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).We recommend that you complete the FAFSA no later than March 31 for priority consideration. UMD begins mailing Academic Orientation/Registration invitations according to date of application
• February 1: Priority deadline for admission and scholarship applications.
• March: Early orientation begins.
• April 15: Deadline for reserving university housing.

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Address and Phone Number

UMD Office of Admissions
23 Solon Campus Center
1117 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812-3000
1-800-232-1339 or (218) 726-7171
fax (218) 726-7040

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