Undergraduate International Admissions
We recognize and value the distinct perspectives that international student bring with them and how they can enrich experiences in and out of the classroom.
We also recognize that it can be overwhelming and perhaps a bigger challenge than you might expect. That’s why Earlham provides you with such resources as an international student adviser who will prepare your I-20 (the document needed to apply for a student visa), provide guidance throughout the visa process, welcome you to campus and offer support during your four years at Earlham. In addition, you will have a faculty adviser and access to peer mentors, teaching assistants and a writing center.
International students make up approximately 18 percent of the total student body at Earlham. Our dynamic campus includes more than 130 international students and faculty from more than 60 countries. We look forward to welcoming you to campus, too!
Rooted in the Quaker values of equality, justice, respect and collaboration, an Earlham education creates an unending desire to see the world differently and to bring about change.
Start your adventure
Discover all that Earlham has to offer — and all you have to offer Earlham.
Steps to begin your Epic journey
Prepare to apply
Important dates, to-do’s and information you need to know to make your application process seamless.
Complete your application
A walk-through of our application and all the materials you need to be considered for admittance.
What’s next?
There are a few things you can do while our admissions team is reviewing your application.
Step 1: Prepare to apply
Important dates, to-dos and information you need to know to make your application process seamless.
Earlham seeks students who are academically prepared, intellectually curious and who possess a variety of special talents and interests. We also look for students who are comfortable in their own skin and embrace differences. Admission to Earlham College is selective, and we expect our students to demonstrate superior academic performance and preparation, as well as an excellent record of extracurricular involvement.
In our application review process, our admissions team considers each part of your application, giving special weight to your academic preparation. You’ll also have a special adviser who will work closely with you on matters of immigration issues, cultural adaptation and practical concerns.
Academic preparation
Although Earlham does not have specific entrance requirements, most successful applicants have completed a minimum of:
- 4 credits of English, such as literature, grammar or composition
- 3 credits of mathematics, such as algebra, geometry, pre-calculus or calculus
- 2 credits of social sciences, such as government, economics, sociology, history or similar topics
- 2 credits of sciences, such as biology, chemistry or physics
- 2 credits of world languages, including a second language that is not your native language
- Studio or performing arts, experience in the area of studio or performing arts is very desirable
When available and appropriate, we encourage students to enroll in a challenging curriculum.
Grades in academic classes
Earlham takes your cumulative grade point average into consideration when reviewing your application.
Other decision-making factors
At Earlham, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. When provided, we take into consideration leadership experience, extracurricular involvement, community service and work experience. International applications must also be able to meet the minimum level of family financial support.
English proficiency
All international students whose first language is not English must provide verification of English proficiency in order to apply for an F1 visa. Earlham accepts score reports for the following tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, GTEC, ISA, Cambridge, Pearson, SAT and ACT. Students could also use an achieved IB English class grade that is equivalent to CEFR B2+ or higher.
Current accepted tests and minimum required scores are:
| Test | Required / Recommended |
| SAT (EBRW) | 400 / 600 |
| ACT (Reading) | 20 / 26 |
| TOEFL (Total) | 79 / 92 |
| IELTS (Total) | 6.0 / 7.0 |
| Duolingo (Total) | 115 / 125 |
Earlham is test score optional regarding the SAT and ACT. Students are not required to take one of these college entrance exams.
While we understand the many issues present in standardized testing, Earlham’s current registration with SEVIS requires compliance with these test score requirements. SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System used by the Department of State on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security (in other words, important US governmental agencies). Therefore, the international student advisers must use test scores to substantiate academic preparedness and English proficiency when preparing an I-20 (the document needed to apply for a student visa) for an admitted student.
Earlham is pleased to be part of a pilot program through which Korean students who have taken the CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test/Suneung) in the fall/winter of 2020 can use their score to apply for admissions as a full-time student to begin in August 2022.
In partnership with InitialView, students will only need to submit their CSAT scores via Uway and participate in an InitialView interview/writing sample. In as little as five business days, Earlham’s Office of Admissions will provide you with a preliminary admissions decision. Final decisions are confirmed when secondary school transcripts are received and financial documents are reviewed.
Hear more about Earlham from our director of international admissions.
Early action deadlines
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- Early action 1: Nov. 1
- Early action 2: Dec. 1
Regular decision deadlines
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- March 1
With more than 40 majors and minors to choose from, as well as applied minors that combine academic interests with hands-on practical experiences, your Earlham adventure starts here. You have until the end of your second year to declare your major. You also have time in your schedule to take classes outside of your major courses. That gives you the opportunity to explore other areas of interest! You can major, double major, major/minor or create your own program!
Every international applicant must provide financial information as part of your application to Earlham We cannot evaluate an application without this information. Please provide accurate and thorough answers to all of the questions that apply to you and your family. After you submit your application to Earlham, then you will be able to complete the financial information form right on your student application portal.
Earlham considers each international application for a merit scholarship and possibly an institutional grant and on-campus work award.
Merit scholarships are awarded to students who have distinguished themselves academically. This year, the merit scholarships range up to $37,000 and are awarded for up to eight semesters if GPA requirements are maintained.
Institutional grants are awarded based on demonstrated financial need and academic accomplishments.
Earlham does not award scholarships or grants for housing, food and other costs (such as books, personal items, flights to/from campus and other indirect costs). International students (non-UWC) and families need to be able to contribute at least $25,000 a year for the first year and then that amount plus yearly increases in cost of attendance.
Earlham is a proud member of the Davis UWC Scholars Program. Graduates of the United World Colleges are eligible for special funding at Earlham College through the generosity of the Davis Foundation. Please contact the Director of International Admissions for the specific information.
Please note: The International Financial Aid Committee determines the level of merit scholarship and institutional grant for international students. Inquiries about international financial aid can be directed to [email protected].
Inquiries about international financial aid can be directed to the director of international admissions at [email protected] or the Office of Financial Aid.
Step 2: Complete your application
You’re on your way to becoming an Earlhamite! The following information will walk you through our application and all the materials you need to be considered for admittance.
| Application Form | Apply through the Common Application |
| Official Secondary School Records and Exam Results | Ask your school to forward these official documents to Earlham. |
| Recommendation | To be completed by your school counselor/school official or the teacher of your choice. |
| English Proficiency | All international students whose first language is not English must provide verification of English proficiency in order to apply for an F1 visa. Earlham will accept score reports for the following tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, and more. You may send us a printout/download/photo of your test score report for now and send us an official copy before classes start in August. Your school official may submit certified photocopies. |
| International Student Financial Information | After you submit your application to Earlham, you will be able to fill out the financial information form directly on your Student Application Portal. |
- Gather all bank statements and necessary financial documents needed to show proof of finances. The director of international admissions will inform which documents are needed.
- Schedule an interview with the director of international admissions – this is a chance to strengthen your application!
Once you complete all the steps above and have collected the necessary items, you’re ready to apply! And, don’t worry if you don’t have all the necessary items right now–our international admissions counselor will work with you to complete your application.
Are you ready to start your journey at Earlham?
Once you have completed all the steps above and collected the necessary items, you’re ready to apply! Don’t worry if you don’t have all the necessary items right now—our admissions counselor will work with you to complete your application.
Step 3: Learn what’s next
While our admissions team is reviewing your application, you can continue to learn more about all the opportunities Earlham offers you. International applications take a bit longer to review; even so, we aspire to have an admissions decision back to you within 10 business days after receipt of your completed application.
No matter where you are in your college search, we invite you to visit and find out firsthand why Earlham College is consistently ranked as having one of the nation’s “best classroom experiences”, according to The Princeton Review.
We are actively implementing sanitization and safety measures including social distancing, requiring masks in all buildings, temperature checks and limiting reservation time slots for in-person visits to a maximum of four families.
In addition, we’re happy to host you virtually on Zoom for an information session, campus tour and/or meeting with our professors, athletic coaches and other campus representatives.
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There’s nothing like seeing it for yourself. See all Earlham has to offer!