Where to Find Online Classes

Online classes can be found on Iowa State University’s Schedule of Classes. Filter to only view online sections. Visit our courses page for specific steps. You can also find available online course sections in AccessPlus while you are registering for courses.

Where to Register

All students register for classes in AccessPlus which can be accessed via the Okta dashboard. 

When to Register

You can find your registration start date and time in Accessplus, under the Current Student Info section. Registration start dates are assigned based on projected year-in-school classification, which is computed by combining total credits and current term credits.  If your registration requires a RAN (registration access number) you need to obtain this from your academic adviser.  Graduate students do not need registration access numbers.You may register for a class via Accessplus through the first week of classes. After the first week of the semester, you will need to obtain instructor permission and complete the schedule change form to add a course.  

All online classes are delivered in Canvas. Your online course may not appear in Canvas until the first day of classes. You may receive an email from your instructor prior to the first day with additional course information, so be sure to check your Iowa State email account leading up to the first day of the semester.  

Review the Accessing Canvas at ISU student resources to be prepared for your first day. Here you will learn how to set up Canvas notifications, manage conversations and the Canvas calendar, and make sure the Canvas app has been added to your OKTA dashboard. You can also add the Canvas app to your smart phone device.  

Students should always consult their academic advisor or major professor before making any schedule change requests. Adding/dropping courses or changing a course from graded to audit or Pass/Not Pass can have serious implications on your academic success. Making any change to a schedule could impact your ability to graduate on time and may also have financial implications. 

Adding A Course

Students can easily add an online course via Accessplus up to the first day of the academic term. Once an academic semester has started students will have limited access to add courses via Accessplus. If a course is full or is now in Period 2 students will need to obtain permission from the instructor to add a class. Initiating a course add can be completed with the schedule change form. The schedule change form can be found in Accessplus under Registrar Forms.  

It is important to note the risk in adding a course after it has already started. Work with your instructor to create a plan on how to get caught up on missed coursework. If you later find that you cannot get caught up and need to drop the course, you may not receive a refund on tuition and fees for the course.

Dropping A Course

If your online course has not started yet, you can drop the course in Accessplus without being required to complete the schedule change form. 

If your online course has already started please email iowastateonline@iastate.edu to discuss which online course you want to drop. Iowa State Online staff can provide guidance on the potential financial impact of your course drop. If you decide to proceed with your drop, you can start the process by initiating the university’s schedule change form. It will be important to check in with your academic adviser or major professor to discuss the impact your course drop may have on your degree plan.  

Military-affiliated Students: Making schedule changes may affect your military education benefits. Before making schedule changes, please check with a V.A. certifying official.

Dropping all of your courses for the semester is considered an academic withdrawal. To initiate this process please contact your academic adviser, major professor, or email iowastateonline@iastate.edu. Iowa State Online staff can help you review the potential financial impact of withdrawing. It will be important to review the graduated tuition adjustment schedule for a FULL withdrawal.

Distance Education Tuition and Mandatory Fees

Students in a Distance Education program at Iowa State University are assessed tuition and a mandatory technology fee. Students enrolled in a distance education program are not assessed the activity and service fee, health fee, and health facility fee. Please email Iowa State Online if you have any questions regarding your distance tuition and fee eligibility.

Online students with a close proximity to the Ames, IA campus may desire to have access to campus facilities like the Rec Services or sporting events. Students who would like access need to request to be charged the Student Activity Fee.

Students may see a tuition adjustment to their university bill based on adding an additional course, dropping a course, or withdrawing or canceling enrollment for the academic term. Tuition adjustments are based on certain deadlines outside of academic and financial aid deadlines. Students should take time to review the tuition adjustment deadlines before the start of each semester.

Students should always consult their academic advisor or major professor before making any schedule change requests. Adding/dropping courses or changing a course from graded to audit or Pass/Not Pass can have serious implications on your academic success. Making any change to a schedule could impact your ability to graduate on time and may also have financial implications.

How do I pay my university bill/tuition?

You will pay your university bill in Accessplus.  Any balance on your university bill is always due on the 20th of the month.

What is my u-bill?

U-bill is short for university bill. It is the main source for communicating your university charges. Iowa State utilizes an electronic bill. Electronic billing notifications will be emailed to your @iastate.edu email address.

How do I pay tuition if I have employer reimbursement?

Iowa State University offers a deferment option for employees of businesses and organizations that provide tuition reimbursement programs. If needed, you can register for the employer reimbursement deferment plan to defer payment of your tuition and fees until the end of the semester.