Am I an international student?
An "international student" is student who will hold a student visa while enrolled at Colorado Mesa University. The following ARE NOT considered international students: U.S. permanent residents (green-card holders), undocumented students living in the U.S., or documented refugees or asylees. The following ARE considered international students: non-U.S. citizens wishing to hold a visa (F-1, J-1, H-1 or any others) while enrolled at Colorado Mesa University. This includes visa-holders who have or are attending U.S. schools.

The grading system in my country is different from that in the United States. How can I determine if I would be a reasonable candidate for admission?
There are many publications available that deal with conversion of education credits from different countries. Sometimes these publications are available in many Embassies and institutes of higher education. The only guaranteed method is to have your official school records initially reviewed by our Admissions Office and then translated and evaluated by a third part.

How can I get involved once I arrive at Colorado Mesa University?
Easy! The International Student Association (ISA) offers a unique opportunity to interact with students from all different backgrounds and provides guidance to new students on how to deal with culture shock, language barriers, tips for success and much more! To learn more about the ISA and other clubs and activities at Colorado Mesa University, please visit Student Life.

How do I sign up for my classes?
Beginning as early as April (if starting in the fall semester) you can register for classes through Academic Advising as long as your admission is complete. Students who applied without an SAT or ACT score will first need to take placement exams in Math, English, and Reading before registering for classes. These tests can be set up remotely through our Testing Center and taken from your home country. It is recommended to register for classes early for best class selection.

What type of on-campus housing does Colorado Mesa University have?
Colorado Mesa University has 11 different Residence Halls to choose from. For upper classmen, transfer, and graduate students there are on-campus apartment options. Please see Residence Life for more information. You can apply for housing once the application process is complete. Students are encouraged to apply for housing early for best selection.

Does Colorado Mesa University have International Student Advisors?
Yes. International Student Advisors are available to help with immigration and cultural adjustment issues.

Does Colorado Mesa University have international student orientation?
Yes. Orientation for international students is at the beginning of each semester (in August and December) for new international students. Your advisor will contact you before you arrive with details regarding orientation.

Can international students apply for terms other than fall?
Yes. Students can also apply for the Spring semester which begins in January.

Do I have to declare an academic major/degree before I begin my classes at Colorado Mesa University?
Colorado Mesa University does not require undergraduate students to declare a major prior to arriving on campus. However, you will be asked on the application what your projected field of study is. Typically, students will declare a major during their second year.

Can I find out if I'll be admitted to Colorado Mesa University before I submit an application?
No, your application must be submitted and complete before an admission decision can be made.

When and how will I be notified of an admission decision?
Once your application is complete, you will be notified of an admission decision by email. Original admission documents will be sent to you by express mail along with your I-20. Typically, an admission decision will be made within 1-2 weeks of file completion.

Do I need to confirm my plans to attend Colorado Mesa University?
Students can confirm their intent to enroll at Colorado Mesa University by submitting a $50 enrollment deposit (applied towards your tuition bill). Click here for more information on how to do this.

Do all documents need to be submitted at the same time?
No. All documents do not need to be submitted at the same time. As soon as your application is received, our office will begin corresponding with you by e-mail regarding any missing documents.

What is considered an official document?
Any document that comes directly from the institution in a sealed envelope is considered official.

Can I submit photocopies of my documents?
No. All documents must be originals or official copies and must be mailed to the Admissions Office at:
Colorado Mesa University
Attn: International Admissions
1100 North Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81501

What documents are required for admission?
Please see the Admission Checklist for First-Time Undergraduate students.

Do I have to take the TOEFL/IELTS for admission?
Yes. The only exception to this requirement is if you are from a country whose official language is English. Transfer students transferring from a U.S. college/university will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Do I have to take the SAT or ACT test?
While not required, it is strongly recommended. Students who do not have an ACT or SAT score will be required to take placement exams in Math, English, and Reading before registering for classes. These tests can be set up remotely and taken from your home country through our Testing Center coloradomesa.edu/testing). Please note that any student wishing to be considered for athletic scholarships must submit an SAT or ACT score.

I have taken a test of English proficiency. Do I also need to take the ACT or SAT?
The ACT or SAT is strongly encouraged because it measures academic proficiency while the TOEFL and IELTS are tests of English language proficiency.

I plan to take (or have taken) the ACT/SAT and wondered how the essay writing section will be used in the final admission decision.
The writing section of the SAT/ACT will be accepted for review but will not be used for an admission decision.

What is the approximate cost for international students?

The approximate annual cost for international students is $28,476. Please see here (link back up to the Tuition and Living Expenses) for more details.

Figures for tuition, student fees, room, and board are set based on the 2011-12 estimated costs. The amount for living expenses is considered to be the minimum necessary. All costs are subject to change.

Does Colorado Mesa University provide financial aid for international students?

Yes, but in very limited amounts and only for returning international students. Applicants should not rely on scholarships when applying for admission.

Am I eligible for an athletic scholarship?
The Admission Office does not award athletic scholarships. If a student is interested in an athletic scholarship, they must contact the coach of their sport directly. For more information on athletics at Colorado Mesa University, please visit our athletics website.

Can I work while I am studying in the US?
International students are allowed to work on campus on a part-time basis (20 hours/week or less) while school is in session and full-time (40 hours/week) during breaks, as long as they maintain their F1 status. Student employment will help with supplemental costs but please note it is not sufficient to cover all educational expenses. On campus jobs can only be arranged once a student has arrived on campus and are not guaranteed. There are other opportunities for internships as students progress in their degree of study. Please inquire with the International Advisor for more information on employment opportunities.

Are there any financial loans to help international students study at Colorado Mesa University?
Unfortunately, Colorado Mesa University does not provide loans to international students.

Do I pay my tuition and housing costs before I begin my study at Colorado Mesa University?
Tuition and housing costs are not paid prior to arrival on campus, though a prior deposit for housing is required. Payments may be made in several ways. For a complete list of payment options, please visit the Accounting and Business Office.

What is an I-20?
An I-20 form is the official government document which certifies that a person is eligible to apply for an F-1 student visa on behalf of Colorado Mesa University. This form is issued once students are fully accepted to a full-time program and show that they have enough financial resources to cover one year of academic study. The I-20 is then used to apply for an F-1 visa at a United States Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Please see the Visa Application Process for more information.

How do I get an I-20?
You must first apply, submit all required documents, and be admitted to Colorado Mesa University.

What is an F-1 Student Visa?
The F1 student visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows international students to enter into the U.S. to attend a full course of study at colleges, universities and language training programs.

How do I get an F-1 student visa?
You must first be admitted to Colorado Mesa University and have been issued an I-20. You then schedule an appointment with a U.S. Embassy in your home country for an interview. Please see the Visa Application Process for more information.