International Students Admission (2024)

Students from more than a dozen countries currently call Baldwin Wallace University home! They come to BW for a variety of reasons, but academic quality, location and affordability are among the top reasons international students choose BW.

Baldwin Wallace is a private university in Ohio offering more than 75undergraduate programs. BW's curriculum is built on an arts and sciences foundation with a commitment to real-world preparation. An education at Baldwin Wallace is tailored to you, giving students lasting tools for success. For more than 25 years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked BW among the Midwest's best universities. Baldwin Wallace University continues to earn high marks for affordable excellence.

You + BW + CLE + USA

BW provides international students with a fantastic location. BW's campus is in Berea, Ohio, a safe suburban college town of about 20,000 people in close proximity to Cleveland. Students can enjoy nature trails and coffee shops in Berea and access internships, cultural events, theatrical performances and much more in Cleveland, a city on the rise.

First-Year Undergraduate Application Information

Admission to Baldwin Wallace is selective, and determined by a thorough review of all items submitted. Completed applications are reviewed on a daily basis with decisions determined within 2-4 weeks.

Required items are submitted through the applicant portal and include:

• Application
• Secondary School Transcripts
• Secondary School Report Form
• Teacher Recommendation
• International Student Certification of Financial Support Form
  • Prospective F-1 students must have the financial resources to live and study in the United States. This includes being able to cover the cost of tuition, books, living expenses and travel while enrolled. BW must collect evidence of the student's financial ability to attend BW for at least one year (or the program length, whichever is shorter) before issuing a Form I-20. Please review the Instructions for Completing the International Student Certification of Financial Support Form for additional information.
• Financial Sponsor Letter
  • A financial sponsor letter is required documentation if a sponsor is helping the student financially.
    • Sample financial sponsor letter
• One of the following exams*:
  • TOEFL (recommended scores of IBT 79, CBT 213, PBT 550)
  • IELTS (recommended composite of 6.5)
  • Duolingo (recommended score of 105)
  • SAT (recommended evidence-based reading/writing score of 520)
  • ACT (recommended English score of 21)

As noted, the score levels above are recommended but not required. As noted, the score levels above are recommended but not required. Students whose English language skills need development are encouraged to complete an ESL program through the LADO International Institute.

* Students who have taken an English language curriculum are highly encouraged to take the SAT or ACT exam. If these exams are not available, students should submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores.

Every admission file is reviewed by admission counselors, who holistically review every facet of the student's file, including the application, transcripts, recommendation letters, and student report form. While reviewing all of the documents, admission counselors look for consistency with personal identifiable information such as name, address, date of birth, transcript dates, etc. If inconsistencies are identified, authorized university personnel may request additional information as needed to confirm the validity of a student's credentials.

Conservatory of Performing Arts Application Information

Students interested in pursuing a music major must submit the documents required for first-year undergraduate admission or transfer admission. Additional items required for Conservatory of Performing Arts applicants are as follows:

• Audition
• Music Teacher Evaluation

Transfer Application Information

Students transferring to BW with college-level courses taken at another accredited college or university will need to submit the following items through the applicant portal:

• Application
• Official college or university transcripts
  • Students transferring with credits from outside of the United States must provide English translated documents as well as an evaluation of courses from World Educational Services (WES).
• Secondary school transcripts
  • Required for students who graduated secondary school less than five years from application or have less than 25 transferable credits.
• Letter of recommendation
• International Student Certification of Financial Support Form
  
  • Prospective F-1 students must have the financial resources to live and study in the United States. This includes being able to cover the cost of tuition, books, living expenses and travel while enrolled. BW must collect evidence of the student's financial ability to attend BW for at least one year (or the program length, whichever is shorter) before issuing a Form I-20. Please review the Instructions for Completing the International Student Certification of Financial Support Form for additional information.
• Financial Sponsor Letter
  • A financial sponsor letter is required documentation if a sponsor is helping the student financially.
    • Sample financial sponsor letter
• Current F-1 students transferring from another U.S. college or university must submit the transfer application and the F-1 Transfer Undergraduate Student Verification Form.
  
• One of the following exams are required if college-level English composition is not complete:

• TOEFL (recommended scores of IBT 79, CBT 213, PBT 550)
• IELTS (recommended composite of 6.5)
• Duolingo (recommended score of 105)
• SAT* (recommended evidence-based reading/writing score of 520 on the SAT)
• ACT* (recommended English score of 21)

As noted, the score levels above are recommended but not required. As noted, the score levels above are recommended but not required. Students whose English language skills need development are encouraged to complete an ESL program through the LADO International Institute.

* Students who have taken an English language curriculum are highly encouraged to take the SAT or ACT exam. If these exams are not available, students should submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores.

Every admission file is reviewed by admission counselors, who holistically review every facet of the student's file, including the application, transcripts, recommendation letters, and student report form. While reviewing all of the documents, admission counselors look for consistency with personal identifiable information such as name, address, date of birth, transcript dates, etc. If inconsistencies are identified, authorized university personnel may request additional information as needed to confirm the validity of a student's credentials.

Graduate and Professional Programs

Baldwin Wallace University offers a variety of master's degrees and post-bachelor's degree programs, but not all of the programs are able to accept non-US citizens. The links below will provide additional information on the programs able to accept non-US citizens:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Leadership in Higher Education (MAEd)
• Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)
• Physician Assistant (MMS)
• Speech-Language Pathology (MS)
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

Undocumented/DACA Students

A WELCOMING, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY ... IT'S IN BW'S DNA

In 1845, Baldwin Wallace was founded as one of the first colleges in the nation to admit students without regard to race or gender. Today, you'll find that spirit of inclusiveness has flourished and evolved into a personalized approach to education: one that fosters your individual growth as you learn to learn, experience new ideas and prepare for the certainty of change. Consistent with BW's commitment to inclusivity, undocumented and DACA students are valuable members of the BW community.

Undocumented/DACA candidates who wish to apply to Baldwin Wallace University should be familiar with U.S. government laws and changes regarding DACA.

At BW, undocumented/DACA students are classified as international student applicants, though they are NOT required to submit an International Student Certification of Financial Support Form, with an admission made independent of their financial situation. Although they are not eligible for federal funding, undocumented and DACA students are eligible for any scholarships open to international students.

Additional Funding Resources

• Scholarships that do not request immigration status: Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund
• Scholarships for undocumented students

Frequently Asked Questions

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Questions?

• For additional questions, please contact the BW Admission Office at intladms@bw.eduor (440) 826-2222.

English as a Second Language (ESL) through LADO

LADO International Institute provides ESL programs for international students who need to meet the English language proficiency requirements required for admission to BW. LADO's programs are available online and at its Arlington, Virginia, campus.

LADO students will:

• Improve English skills quickly
• Transition seamlessly from LADO to BW
• Receive a renewable $2,000 LADO Scholarship if they enroll in an undergraduate program at BW immediately after completing the LADO program.

For more information about LADO, please contact the BW admission office at (440) 826-2222 or intladms@bw.edu.

International Faculty

Swagata Banik (India)
Public Health

Karen Barahona (Honduras)
Foreign Languages and Literature

Xudong Chen (China)
Economics

Navneet Grant (India)
Computer Science

Chungsim Han (South Korea)
Mathematics and Computer Science

Raed Ba Helah (Yemen)
Public Health

Sungjin Im (South Korea)
Religion

X. Gloria Liu (China)
Business

Narasimha Mohan (India)
Business

Sungeun Kim (South Korea)
Conservatory of Performing Arts

Helen Muga (Papua New Guinea)
Engineering

Christian Nsiah (Ghana)
Business

Ven Ochaya (Uganda)
Business

Herman Sahni (India)
Economics

Chisomo Selemani (Zambia)
Communication Sciences & Disorders

Param Srikantia (India)
Business

Scholarships for International Students

The scholarships and special awards outlined below are for foreign nationals and DACA students.

Students will be notified of scholarships for which they are eligible at the time of admission to the University.

U.S. citizens, dual U.S. citizens, green card holders, eligible non-citizens who qualify to file a FAFSA, and residents of most U.S. territories should review the financial aid information for first-year students and transfer students.

Name	Award	Criteria
John Baldwin Scholarship	Up to $15,000	Awarded to international students based on academic achievement, leadership/service involvement and effective communication. This award is renewable.
LADO Scholarship	$2,000	Awarded to students who enroll in an undergraduate degree program at BW within 12 months of completing an ESL program through LADO.
Alumni Award	$2,000	Awarded to children and grandchildren of BW graduates. This award is renewable.
Sibling	$2,000 per sibling	Awarded to student siblings enrolled as full-time undergraduates at BW. This award is renewable.
Ministerial	Up to 50% of tuition	Awarded to dependent students (ages 17 to 23) of ordained United Methodist ministers who are full members of an annual conference. May be received in combination with other BW awards when, the total amount of all BW awards, including the Ministerial Award, equals no more than 75% of tuition.
BW Visit Grant (Fall 2025 start students)	$2,000	Visit grants are eligible for new first-year students who start in fall 2025 and have visited campus by December 2, 2024. Guaranteed for four years or completion of a bachelor's degree, whichever comes first. Visit grants cannot exceed $8,000 ($2,000 per year), regardless of the number of times a student has visited. Learn more.
Griffiths Scholarship	$2,000 - $8,000	Awarded to admitted Conservatory of Performing Arts students who demonstrate outstanding musicianship and talent in the audition process. Scholarship announcements are made after March 15. Renewable up to four years, based on a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and enrollment in the Conservatory.
Associate Award	$2,000	Requires full-time enrollment at BW. This award is for transfer students who have an approved associate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Students must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. As completion of an associate degree reflects an important academic achievement, the associate award at BW is $2,000, renewable, and is considered as part of the total value of the John Baldwin Scholarship.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship	$1,000	Phi Theta Kappa is a national honor society for students attending two-year colleges. Recipients of this scholarship are Phi Theta Kappa members who transfer to BW with a minimum of a 3.25 GPA. Students must show verification of their membership at the point of admission. This award is in the amount of $1,000 per year, spread out evenly over both semesters, and is renewable for up to two years.

External Financial Resources

The International Student Resource Center
International Education Finance Corporation
EduPASS - Smart Student Guide to Studying in the USA
Education USA

Full-Time Students

2024-25 Academic Year

Students are considered full-time at BW when they take 12-18 credit hours per semester.

	Each Semester	Full Year
Tuition	$19,416	$38,832
On-campus housing and meals 1	$6,887	$13,774
Student Activity Fee 2	$500	$1,000
Onboarding Fee (1st semester only) 3	$200	$200
Total (Residential)	$27,003	$53,806

Explanation of Fees

¹ Listed cost is the combined total for a standard double room and the prime meal plan.

² An annual $1,000 Student Activity Fee ($500 per semester) is applied to all full-time student accounts who first enroll at BW in fall 2024. This fee is applied to the student balance, $500 each semester,and is eligible for financial aid support. This fee is not refundable. The fee is used to enhance the quality of activities that directly benefit students, including programs, services, student facility improvements, and events. These activities enrich the student experience, build community, and help students stay on track toward graduation.

• Variations on Student Activity Fee amount for other full-time students:
  • Full-time students who originally enrolled as first-year students at BW prior to fall 2024: $700 ($350 per semester)
  • Full-time students who originally enrolled as transfer students at BW prior to fall 2024: $350 ($175 per semester)
• Note: Students are charged the full cost of the Student Activity Fee, but they receive a credit that leads to the net cost of the fee as outlined.

³ A one-time $200 Onboarding Fee for first-year and transfer students provides access to online, virtual and in-person orientation and onboarding programs that ensure a successful start at BW. This fee is applied to the student balance and is not eligible for financial aid support. This fee is not refundable.

Program Fees

The following fees are not listed above and apply to full-time students described below:

• Conservatory (Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Music Education) full-time program fee: Beginning with the 2024-25 academic year, Conservatory of Performing Arts students in either a Bachelor of Music program or Bachelor of Music Education program will be charged a $1,600 per-semester program fee to cover the cost of private lessons.
• Elective Private Lesson fee: Beginning with the 2024-25 academic year, students who are not enrolled in either a Bachelor of Music program or Bachelor of Music Education program and elect to take a private lesson will be charged an $800 private lesson fee per semester.
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering program fee: Beginning with the 2024-25 academic year, first-year and transfer students who enter the engineering program will be charged an annual program fee to cover the cost of student materials and supplies. Engineering students will also be charged a one-time toolkit fee. During the 2024-25 academic year, the annual engineering program fee is $250 and the one-time toolkit fee is $150.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program fee: An additional fee is administered for each of the student's final five semesters in the BSN program. Items covered by the fee include: books (in the final five semesters), stethoscope, lab supplies, lab coat, uniforms, graduation items, and exit exams. Students who originally enroll at BW in fall 2024 will be charged $880 per semester. Students who originally enrolled at BW prior to fall 2024 will be charged $700 per semester.

Cost of Attendance

View cost of attendance details for the 2024-25 academic year.

Part-Time Students

2024-25 Academic Year

Students are considered part-time at BW when they take 1-11 credit hours per semester.

	Per Credit Hour
Day Students	$1,295
Evening Students	$834
Weekend Classes	$834
Field Experience	$834
Independent Study	$834
Summer Classes (2024)	$545
Student Activity Fee (per semester) 1	$250
Onboarding Fee (one-time fee) 2	$200

Explanation of Fees

¹ A$500 Student Activity Fee ($250 per semester) is applied to all part-time student accounts who first enroll at BW in fall 2024. This fee is applied to the student balance, $250 each semester,and is eligible for financial aid support. This fee is not refundable. The fee is used to enhance the quality of activities that directly benefit students, including programs, services, student facility improvements, and events. These activities enrich the student experience, build community, and help students stay on track toward graduation.

• Variations on Student Activity Fee amount for other part-time students:
  • Part-time students who originally enrolled as first-year students at BW prior to fall 2024: $350 ($175 per semester)
  • Part-time students who originally enrolled as transfer students at BW prior to fall 2024: $175 ($87.50 per semester)
• Note: Students are charged the full cost of the Student Activity Fee, but they receive a credit that leads to the net cost of the fee as outlined.

²A one-time$200 Onboarding Feefor first-year and transfer students provides access to online, virtual and in-person orientation and onboarding programs that ensure a successful start at BW. This fee is applied to the student balance and is not eligible for financial aid support. This fee is not refundable.

Program Fees

The following fees are not listed above and apply to part-time students described below:

• Conservatory (Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Music Education) full-time program fee: Beginning with the 2024-25 academic year, Conservatory of Performing Arts students in either a Bachelor of Music program or Bachelor of Music Education program will be charged an $800 per-semester program fee to cover the cost of private lessons.
• Elective Private Lesson fee: Beginning with the 2024-25 academic year, students who are not enrolled in either a Bachelor of Music program or Bachelor of Music Education program and elect to take a private lesson will be charged an $800 private lesson fee per semester.
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering program fee: Beginning with the 2024-25 academic year, first-year and transfer students who enter the engineering program will be charged an annual program fee to cover the cost of student materials and supplies. Engineering students will also be charged a one-time toolkit fee. During the 2024-25 academic year, the annual engineering program fee is $250 and the one-time toolkit fee is $150.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program fee: An additional fee is administered for each of the student's final five semesters in the BSN program. Items covered by the fee include: books (in the final five semesters), stethoscope, lab supplies, lab coat, uniforms, graduation items, and exit exams. Students who originally enroll at BW in fall 2024 will be charged $880 per semester. Students who originally enrolled at BW prior to fall 2024 will be charged $700 per semester.

Cost of Attendance

View cost of attendance details for the 2024-25 academic year.

Next Steps for Admitted Students

Already accepted to Baldwin Wallace? Review the next steps for admitted students:

Set Up Your BW Network Account (retrieve your username)

As soon as you have been admitted to BW, your BW username and email account are created. Your username grants you access to new and continuing updates regarding any financial information that is sent exclusively to your BW email. Once you are ready to commit to BW, your username/password also allows you to submit your new student deposit (step #2). Please retrieve your username at your earliest convenience by visiting myaccount.bw.edu and start monitoring your BW email for important information.

To retrieve your BW Network Account, go to myaccount.bw.edu and confirm your identity using your BW student ID, which is printed on the enrollment confirmation card enclosed with your letter of admission. If you don't know your BW student ID or have questions, please contact the admission office at admission@bw.edu or (440) 826-2222.

Your BW username and email address will be displayed after completing this form.

Accessing BW Email Once You Have Retrieved Your BW Username

Access your BW email account: email.bw.edu

Pay Your $200 New Student Deposit

Submit payment with your enrollment agreement card or pay online now.

To pay online, log into the BW Payment Portal using your BW username (the username that you created above in step #1). If you have questions, please contact the admission office at admission@bw.edu or (440) 826-2222.

In the BW Payment Portal, follow these steps to make your payment:

• Select DEPOSITS in the top menu
• Select your TERM
• From the SELECT A DEPOSIT dropdown, choose your DEPOSIT PAYMENT
• From the payment METHOD dropdown, select TransferMate.
  • With TransferMate, international students can pay tuition and fees in their home currency from nearly any country through the Payment Portal. Watch video for a short demo.
• Follow the prompts to complete your deposit payment.

Deposit Refunds

Please note that the new student deposit is refundable until November 15 for spring 2025 enrollment and has been extended to June 15 for fall 2025. To receive a refund, students must deposit and withdraw from BW prior to the above dates and request in writing for their deposit to be refunded prior to the start of the semester.

Confirm Receipt of Your Form I-20

The International Student Services (ISS) Office will be sending your form I-20 Packet in the mail (sent via FedEx or DHL). Please make sure that ISS has your most current address and confirm with ISS that you have received your form I-20.

Pay SEVIS 1-901 Fee and Make a Visa Appointment

YouwillneedtopayyourSEVISfeebeforeaFvisawillbeissued.Viewinformationonhowtopayyour1-901SEVISfee.

Onboarding Forms (Housing, Class Schedule and Orientation)

Students Entering Fall 2025

Onboarding forms will be posted in early 2025.

Onboarding - Test Scores (First-Year Students Only)

Regardless of whether you applied test optional to BW, all new first-year students must provide some type of test score before a class schedule is created. Indicate whether you intend to submit ACT/SAT test scores for course placement or if you intend to take a university-provided placement test (Accuplacer/MyMathTest). A class schedule will not be created for you until we receive your placement test information (ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer/MyMathTest). Students who do not provide either ACT/SAT test scores for course placement or complete a university-provided placement test by an onboarding deadline in late spring will receive a default course schedule.

Book Your Flight

Now, you need to purchase your airline ticket. After you have confirmed your flight to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, please emailexplore@bw.eduwith your flight information.

Airport pickup from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport may be available for first-year students. BW's International Student Services representative will assist students in checking in to the residence hall and provide an updated schedule for the international student orientation. Pack your luggage and get ready for a new and exciting experience!

Before you travel, be sure to review the U.S. Department of State international travel guidelines.

Connect with BW

Social media

Tell family and friends you're a Yellow Jacket for Life (YJ4L) and connect with other future and current Yellow Jackets.

@BWadmission @BWadmission

Virtual Visits

• Schedule a one-on-one virtual counselor appointment with an admission counselor.
• Take a virtual tour of BW.

Questions?

We are here to assist you with your questions. Please contact our admission office at (440) 826-2222 or intladms@bw.edu.

International first-year and transfer students should contact:

Ricki Janis at (440) 826-8008 or rjanis@bw.edu

International graduate and professional program students should contact:

Kate Glaser at (440) 826-8016 or kglaser@bw.edu