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International Students

We know that leaving home to study in the United States can be exciting and a bit intimidating at the same time. We're here to help you in any way we can. Here's some information that we hope you will find useful.

Where is Central College?

Central College is located in Pella, Iowa - a small, safe community of 10,000 people, located 40 miles southeast of Iowa's capital city Des Moines and two minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. Pella is located in the heart of the midwest - just 5 hours from Chicago, Illinois; 3.5 hours from Kansas City, Missouri; 5 hours from St. Louis, Missouri; 3 hours from Omaha, Nebraska; and 5 hours from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The closest airport is the Des Moines International Airport.

NOTE: You do not need an agent to apply and complete the admission process. Simply follow the steps below to begin the process. Students are awarded financial aid after admission to Central College.

Central is no longer taking applications for the spring 2013 term. The application deadline for the fall 2013 term is May 1, 2013.

Application Process

To be considered for admission at Central, we must receive:

  1. A completed international application for admission. Fill out the FREE application online here. Please e-mail Chevy Freiburger if you are unable to do this.
  2. A completed essay. Please write an essay describing how Central College can offer you an educational experience that will contribute to your personal and professional goals.
  3. Official results from a TOEFL examination (if English is not your native language) are required. You must have a minimum score of 530 or above (197 CBT/ 71 iBT) to be admitted for study at Central. Central College’s code for the TOEFL and SAT is 6087.
  4. An official certified copy of all secondary school and university (if applicable) coursework translated into English with all courses and grades listed is required. An explanation of the grading system needs to accompany your academic record.
  5. At least one letter of recommendation from a school official who can accurately describe your academic performance, potential for success and ability to persist to graduation is required.
  6. A completed International Student Certification of Finances form must be submitted and accompanied by all third party documentation of funds. We require bank attestations and letters be in original form and on official letterhead. Official proof of funding cannot be more than three months old at the time of application.

Special note for your financial support

United States Immigration and Naturalization law requires that you prove you have adequate funding to pay for your educational and living expenses for every year of your program of study. You must provide documents that will convince the Government that you have:

  1. Immediate funds to pay for your first year of study at Central College
    AND
  2. Sufficient and dependable resources to cover every additional year.

Please note that it is your responsibility to provide all documentation in English.

Please send your application and all accompanying documents (essay, transcripts, test scores, recommendation, and financial statement) to:

Central College Admission Office
Chevy Freiburger
Campus Box 5100
812 University Street
Pella, Iowa 50219
U.S.A.
Fax: 641-628-5983

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available to qualified international students, ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 (American dollars) per year. The decision to award financial aid is based primarily on two factors: grades from high school (and college, for transfer students) course work and scores from standardized tests (TOEFL, SAT, ACT, A-Levels, etc.). Scholarships remain the same each year and are renewable for up to four years. All students are evaluated for financial aid upon completion of the application for admission. A separate application for financial aid/scholarships is not necessary.

Total cost for international students to attend Central is $40,144* (2012-2013). Students are responsible for financing the difference between their scholarship and the cost of attendance - $20,000 to $30,000.  

*Includes tuition, room, board, books, fees and a $996 fee for health insurance required for all international students.

Next Steps

Once you have been admitted for study at Central College, you will receive a letter that describes the conditions of your admittance and the total cost to attend Central College.

Please note that in order for you to receive your I-20 form (certificate of eligibility), you are required to submit a $200 USD enrollment deposit. The enrollment deposit is non-refundable and reserves your place in the incoming class. In addition, the enrollment deposit secures your on-campus residence hall room. Once you receive your I-20 form, immediately schedule a visa appointment with the nearest US consulate. You will need your I-20 and any other pertinent documentation to obtain an F-1 visa. Please note: The issuance of INS Form I-20 does not guarantee the approval of a student visa by the US Immigration and Naturalization Office. Travel arrangements to Central College should be made AFTER you receive your student visa, not before. See more information about obtaining the student visa.

Questions

If you have any questions about admission to Central, please contact Chevy Freiburger by e-mail at freiburgerc@central.edu or call 1-877-462-3687.

Please view our welcome statement and non-discrimination policy.