Answers to Your Questions

Below, you’ll find some of the most “frequently asked questions” (FAQs) among international students.

Q: Where is Albion College?
A: Albion College is located in the city of Albion in the south-central area of Michigan, between the cities of Ann Arbor and Battle Creek. Albion is 90 miles west of Detroit and 175 miles east of Chicago, near Interstate 94. It is easily accessible from Interstate 80/90 via Interstate 69. The nearest airport is Detroit International Airport (airport code DTW).

Q: What is a liberal arts education?
A: The liberal arts tradition dates back several centuries, and its roots lie in Greek, Germanic, and British education models. Studying the liberal arts ensures a breadth and depth of inquiry into the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and creative arts. Liberal arts students develop the tools and skills that allow lifelong learning. Top corporations and graduate schools agree that the best preparation for a professional career is the liberal arts tradition.

Q: What makes Albion unique?
A: Albion's academic program blends the classic foundation of the liberal arts with innovative, pre-professional coursework and internships in the sciences, business and economics, medicine, law, and education. Our professional institutes offer semester, year-long, and summer internships all over the world. Albion College is also one of the leading colleges in the nation for undergraduate research.

Q: What can I study at Albion College?
A: A variety of academic majors and concentrations are available at Albion College. Students also have the option of designing their own major upon approval of the faculty.

Q: What is the Albion student body like?
A: Total enrollment at Albion College is approximately 1,860 students. Our student body represents exceptional thinkers from 25 states and 15 foreign countries.

Q: How successful are Albion College graduates?
A: Albion College prepares its students well for whatever goals they choose to pursue after graduation. Take a look at some of Albion's prominent alumni.

Q: How selective is Albion College? How are admissions decisions made?
A: Albion places a high value on a college preparatory curriculum in secondary school. Therefore, we place greater weight on grade-point average, difficulty of courses taken, and consistency in academic performance than on standardized test scores. The average GPA for new students is typically 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. The average ACT composite score is 25 and the average SAT score is 1186 (both averages exclude the writing score). International students are not required to take the SAT or ACT, but these can be substituted for a TOEFL score and International Baccalaureate exams.

Q: How does Albion review International Baccalaureates?
A: The associate director for international student recruitment is experienced in reviewing IB program credentials, and a variety of other scholastic systems from various countries. In most cases, a grade-point is derived and weighed on a four-point scale and conversion from the host school's grading system. IB candidates are granted up to one semester of academic credit for approved IB classes, if the scores and their courses are 5 or higher.

Q: Are my grades the most weighted element in my application?
A: Yes, along with the difficulty of classes taken and the consistency in performance of academic work.

Q: Can I apply as a transfer student?
A: Yes. Official transcripts (certified and translated to English) are required from each college or university you have attended. In most cases, an external evaluation by WES and ECE may be required.

Q: Does Albion College offer scholarships covering tuition?
A: Albion College does not provide full scholarship support for international students. However, students who demonstrate the highest academic potential and bring significant co-curricular interests to our campus will be considered for scholarships.

Q: Will I be assisted with employment opportunities?
A: The Financial Aid Office assists students with employment both on and off campus. To be considered for student employment, students must have the appropriate visa for work in the United States. Working on an F-1 visa involves many regulations, though you should be able to work up to 20 hours per week.

Q: How much money will I be able to earn annually?
A: Student wages vary, depending on what kind of job you get and how many hours you work per week. On-campus jobs typically pay $7.40/hour to $9.00/hour. A limited number pay more for specialized work in such areas as information technology. During the academic year, full-time students are allowed to work up to 20 hours/week. When school is not in session, you can work full-time either on-campus or off-campus. Salaries for these jobs vary and must meet the requirements of your student visa.

Q: What kind of services are available for international students at Albion?
A: A wide variety of services are available for international students.

Q: What are my housing and boarding options?
A: All first-year students are housed in either Wesley Hall or Seaton Hall. This allows you to become familiar with Albion and make friends quickly. More information can be found on the Residential Life Web Site.

Q: Will I be able to reside on campus during school holidays?
A: Yes. International students can get approval to reside on campus during campus holidays if they do not have an alternative option. We will help you make arrangements. Note that our dining hall will not be open during holidays, so students will need to prepare their own meals.

Q: How do Albion students spend their free time?
A: At Albion College, there are abundant opportunities to have fun and get involved in campus life.

Q: Are there student organizations at Albion that promote internationalism and interculturalism?
A: Among the more than 100 student organizations on campus, there are several groups devoted to diversity awareness, including our International Student Union.

Q: Will my religious faith be welcomed on campus?
A: Albion College celebrates and cultivates religious devotion and spiritual development. The Office of the Chaplain supports programs that promote innovative thought on ethics, religion, and issues of justice. Ideas for collaborative programs that include spirituality are regularly encouraged. There is an interfaith prayer space on campus with religious artifacts from different faith communities.

The Office of Intercultural Affairs is dedicated to the support of underrepresented students, and to promoting the awareness of multicultural issues among all students, staff, and faculty. Students are encouraged to participate in a number of related organizations, activities, and programs.

Additional information is available for Muslim students and Jewish students.

Q: What if Albion College does not offer an academic major, a sports club, or an organization that interests me?
A: You may design your own academic major (with the approval of faculty and staff) and your own student organization or club. We encourage you to think of new ways to make your Albion experience unique. You may be surprised how many of our graduates have gone on to popular career fields like actuary science, or are attending M.B.A. and other programs at top graduate schools around the world.

Q: How do I obtain a visa to study at Albion College?
A: Your admission package includes an acceptance letter and the I-20 form with specific instructions on obtaining a visa.

Q: What should I bring from home to the United States?
A: Your necessities should include any prescription medicine, glasses, or other medical supplies that may not be available in the States. You will need warm clothes for the winters in Michigan, although these can be purchased in Albion. We arrange special outings and events to accommodate our international students' needs. Most of this information will be sent to you via mail, shortly after your enrollment has been confirmed.

Q: I would like more information about Albion. Who do I contact?
A: Lewis Cardenas is the associate director for international student recruitment. He can be reached by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at +1-517/629-0610.