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International Students

International Students

We've learned from students like you 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.

Important Facts and Services for International Students

Dates and Deadlines

The application deadline for the fall 2008 term is June 1, 2008.

Application Process

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

  1. A completed international application for admission. Fill out the application online here. Or, if you prefer, you may download a PDF of the international application and mail it to us. 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. 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. Students who score between 530 and 430 (197 and 117 CBT/ 71 iBT and 39 iBT) may be eligible for Central's English Transitions Program. An IELTS score of 4.5 or STEP Grade 2 may also qualify for the English Transitions Program. Results from the SAT exam (if available in your area) may also substitute for the TOEFL. 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 wtih 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 sucess 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.

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:

Chevy Freiburger
Associate Director of Admission
International Student Recruitment
Central College
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 $2,000 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. A separate application is not necessary.

Total cost for international students to attend Central is $32,300* (2008-2009). Students are responsible for financing the difference between their scholarship and the cost of attendance - $20,000 to $30,000.  

*Includes tuition, room, board, fees and a $350 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, the total cost of attending Central College and your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility). You must have the I-20 form to obtain an F-1 Student Visa from the American Embassy in your country.

Once you have secured your F-1 Student Visa, you will be required to pay a $200 enrollment deposit. The deposit reserves your place in the incoming class as well as your room in the residence halls.

Payment for the first semester will need to be made to the business office no later than August 1st for the fall semester and January 2nd for the spring semester.

Failure to make payment may require Central College to rescind your visa sponsorship.

Please view our welcome statement and non-discrimation policy.

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.