Students applying for the undergraduate program at the school must have a high school diploma with a C average or better. Transfer students must have a C average or better from the post-secondary school they last attended. Gradate students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4-point scale.

Students must submit an application form (along with application fee), have official copies of all educational transcripts and records sent to Bemidji State University, a financial statement verifying evidence of adequate funding, letters of recommendation, and an admissions essay. More detailed procedures, including instructions for students coming from areas or academic backgrounds where English is not the first language spoken, are available on the school's Web site.