Auditing a Class in College: Exploring Educational Opportunities Without Credit

Each year, many college students choose to audit a class, and auditing a class can be a wise choice for certain students. Some do so because they’re interested in the material but lack room in their course schedules, while others may want to avoid the pressure of keeping up their GPAs. Auditing allows students to learn without fear of earning a low grade. But what does auditing a class mean exactly? In the simplest terms, auditing college courses is when a student regularly attends a class without receiving a grade or credit for it. Auditing a class allows students to learn without the pressure of grades and GPAs. Not all universities maintain the same rules around auditing, though.

What Does It Mean to Audit a Class?

Auditing a college class means enrolling in a course without the intention of receiving a grade or academic credit. This practice allows students to attend lectures, participate in discussions, and access course materials. In the simplest terms, auditing college courses is when a student regularly attends a class without receiving a grade or credit for it.

Students who audit a class enroll in a course for no credit but typically must still pay for the class. While auditing a course, you will have access to all class materials but will likely not need to complete homework or take any exams. You may also be encouraged to participate in the class, but this is usually not required. At the end of the term, you will not receive a grade. No Credit is awarded for audit courses and a default grade of L is awarded at the end.

What’s required of you ultimately depends on the school and the particular class you audit. Some instructors may require you to fulfill certain course requirements, such as submitting class assignments, even though you won’t receive a grade on your transcript. In other cases, an instructor may expect your participation to be minimal in order to give more time and attention to fully enrolled students.

Not everyone is permitted to audit a class. At the University of Notre Dame, for example, only graduate students can audit a course. Undergraduates at Boston University may audit a course only if space allows and if the instructor approves their request. Not all courses can be audited per CCAC policy for example Clinicals and most Nursing courses.

While you won’t receive a letter grade for auditing a class, many colleges use some sort of notation on transcripts to show that a student audited, rather than officially enrolled in, a course. At Chapman University in California, for instance, students receive an “AU” on their transcripts to indicate that they successfully audited a class. The audited course will appear on your transcript with a grade of “AU.” This grade has no effect on your GPA.

Key Differences from Regular Enrollment

Auditing courses differ from enrolling in a regular course. Unlike regular enrollment, auditing does not affect your GPA since no grade is assigned. Auditors may not need to complete assignments, take exams, or meet attendance requirements. Students attend lectures and have access to course materials but aren't obligated to attend class or to complete assignments.

Why Would You Audit a Class?

Auditing a class can be a wise choice for certain students. Learners who feel they don’t have enough time to enroll in all of the courses that interest them or who are struggling to decide on a major can explore a subject without worrying about the impact on their college GPA.

Auditing allows students to learn without fear of earning a low grade. Auditing a class is a great option for students who are figuring out their major goals, or just want to try studying something new without the consequences of a low grade. Auditing a course allows a student to take a class without the benefit of a grade or credit for a course. A student who audits a course does so for the purposes of self-enrichment and academic exploration.

Many different types of people audit college courses, including nontraditional students and currently enrolled undergraduates. Nontraditional students may also be inclined and allowed to audit a class, and some students can audit a class online instead of in person. Auditing is often considered risk-free, since it allows students to learn without fear of earning a low grade or missing out on participation points.

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While there are many personal reasons to audit a class - such as exploring a new subject, preparing for a future course, or choosing a major - eligibility to audit depends on the college.

How to Audit a Class in College

Most universities require students to receive approval from instructors for auditing courses, so reaching out to the instructor should be your first step. This way the professor can understand your motivation for wanting to audit the class rather than officially enrolling in it.

While most schools require permission from the instructor, others, like the University of Oregon, require students to get departmental authorization before auditing a course.

As mentioned, auditing policies differ depending on the school, so be sure to check with your institution to find out who is eligible for auditing courses and how you can apply to audit a class. You may also find that you’ll be expected to complete all assignments or actively participate in each class.

Checklist for Auditing a Class

Do your research - Ask yourself what you hope to gain from auditing, and see what classes are available.
Contact supervisors and instructors - Reach out to the registrar’s office with any questions that arise about certain auditing policies and requirements.
Determine the specifics - When contacting the instructor, be sure to clarify what would be required of you if you were to audit the class.
Complete paperwork - The university or college may send over paperwork or other documents for you to fill out as hard evidence that you are cleared and committed to auditing the class.

Typically, not all classes are available to audit, and certain schools may offer specific audit programs. Columbia University, for example, has an auditing program and a special process for nonstudents, including a separate registration section with a list of available courses.

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Some schools may also allow students to attend a few classes before they commit to auditing a course. Montana State University requires students to declare an intent to audit by the 10th day of the semester, whereas the University of Nebraska-Lincoln allows students to declare intent after the sixth day of classes.

Many universities provide a two-week grace period to students to turn a for-credit course into an audited course, or vice versa. Students may not change their registration status (from credit to audit) after the last day to withdraw. You can request to audit your course after you have registered for it successfully. Once registered, you may submit this request by visiting your MySLCC. There, you can locate the 'Student Forms' card and click on the Audit Registration Request. The last day to request an audit is the last day to withdraw.

Eligibility Requirements

Auditing policies in universities typically outline the process. These policies can vary significantly between institutions and course instructors but they generally address who can audit, how to apply, and any fees involved.

Eligibility to audit often requires students to be in good academic standing. Some schools may also require students to have completed prerequisite courses. It's crucial to check with your institution's registrar or academic advising office to ensure you meet all criteria.

Departmental authorization is usually required to audit a class. This means you need approval from the department offering the course. In some cases, you may also obtain instructor permission or need consent from the instructor. Obtaining this authorization ensures that auditors do not displace regularly enrolled students and that the class can accommodate additional attendees.

Financial Implications of Auditing

Students who audit a course are responsible for the same tuition and fees as if they were taking the class for credit.

Audited classes are not eligible for financial aid. While traditional financial aid typically doesn't cover audited courses, some schools offer alternative financial support options. Scholarships or grants specifically designed for auditors may be available, although they are less common at most schools. For those seeking financial assistance, exploring local community programs or sponsorships can be beneficial.

The cost to audit is $15 per course. (This cost is waived for students billed full-time tuition, waiver-eligible employees, and persons 65 years of age or older.) Several public universities extend reduced cost options to local residents, particularly those who meet certain age criteria. However, some institutions may charge the same rate as a regular course. Fees can vary widely based on the institution's policies and the specific course being audited. It's crucial to check with your school's registrar or bursar office to understand the exact costs involved. Utah Residents (who meet all requirements for residency for tuition purposes) who have reached the age of 62 and over are able to audit regular credit classes at a reduced cost.

Refunds and Withdrawals

Audited classes follow the same procedure and deadlines as their credit counterparts and the same Drop Refund Policy.

Auditing Classes Online Through MOOCs

Most four-year institutions, such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, do not permit students to audit online courses, often citing the difficulties of gauging an auditor’s online engagement. That said, a number of massive open online course (MOOC) providers - many of which have partnered with prestigious colleges and universities - let you audit online courses for free.

Many MOOC providers, like Coursera, let you audit classes for free.

One example is edX, a nonprofit co-founded by Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Through this MOOC platform, students can freely audit courses from top schools like the University of Texas system, Georgetown University, and the University of California, Berkeley.

Similarly, Coursera - an MOOC provider that partners with more than 200 universities - lets students audit certain classes for free. As with edX, Coursera auditors can access most course materials at no cost but will be ineligible for certificates and grades.

Academic Records and Grading

Yes, audited classes will be reported on your transcript. While you won’t receive a letter grade for auditing a class, many colleges use some sort of notation on transcripts to show that a student audited, rather than officially enrolled in, a course. At Chapman University in California, for instance, students receive an “AU” on their transcripts to indicate that they successfully audited a class. The audited course will appear on your transcript with a grade of “AU.” This grade has no effect on your GPA.

When you audit a class, the grade designation "AU" is assigned. This designation indicates that you participated in the audited course without earning traditional grades or credits. It's important to note that this "AU" designation sets audited courses apart from those where you earn a letter grade.

Audited courses do not influence your GPA. Since no grades are awarded, there's no positive or negative impact on your overall academic performance. This aspect makes auditing courses an attractive option for students wishing to explore new fields without risking their GPA.

Switching from Audit to Credit

Policies on switching from audit to credit vary by institution. Some schools allow this change early in the semester, while others do not. Consult your academic advisor or the registrar's office for detailed information on your school's policy.

Earning Course Credit Through Challenge Examinations

Auditing a class provides a deep dive into the professor and subject matter without the pressure of grades. However, some students may wish to earn course credit without taking the full course. This is where challenge examinations come into play.

Challenging a Course for Credit through Exams

A challenge examination allows you to demonstrate your knowledge in a specific subject area by passing a comprehensive test. This option is ideal if you have prior experience or knowledge in a subject and wish to bypass the traditional coursework. Successful completion of these exams can result in earning equivalent course credits. Students who feel that their experience or previous knowledge would enable them to successfully challenge (test out of) a course offered at SLCC may apply to take a challenge examination at Testing Services.

Advantages

Time-efficient way to earn credits
Tailored for individuals with extensive prior knowledge
Cost-effective compared to enrolling in an entire course

Disadvantages

Requires thorough preparation
High stakes, as passing the exam is necessary for credit

Testing Services at colleges and universities facilitate these exams. They ensure that:

Exams are standardized and fair.
Students meet eligibility requirements.
Appropriate evaluation methods are in place.

You must typically register with the institution's Testing Services, pay any associated fees, submit work, and schedule your exam. Testing centers provide guidelines and resources to help you prepare effectively.

Drawbacks to Consider

No Academic Credit: You won't earn credits towards your degree.
Limited Interaction: Some instructors may limit the participation of auditors.
Possible Fees: Some institutions may still charge a fee for auditing.
Class Participation: Auditors might not be allowed to participate in discussions or submit assignments.
Access to Materials: Some classes may limit access to certain resources like lab equipment or online portals.
Fee Structure: While some schools offer auditing at a reduced fee, others may charge nearly full tuition.

Auditing Classes As a Non-Student

Non-student auditors can attend classes and participate in assigned readings or other methods of information gathering, often after obtaining the necessary permissions and paying any applicable fees. This option provides personal enrichment and professional development opportunities without the pressure of assignments and exams.

For example, Columbia University allows adults not currently enrolled in college to audit a class as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. Those living in specific area codes can attend classes as an auditor for free, and those 65 years of age or older may enroll at a discount as Lifelong Learners. Many institutions provide specific admissions statuses for senior auditors, allowing them to enroll in courses with greater flexibility.

For instance, Utah residents aged 62 and over often benefit from state policies that encourage educational engagement among senior citizens. Depending on the school or university's regulations, these policies may include reduced tuition rates or even free auditing options.

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