Students from more than 20 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 80 undergraduate programs of study. 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.
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Destination Cleveland
Baldwin Wallace is 20 minutes from Cleveland, Ohio, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is less than six kilometers from campus.
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Near Campus
Cleveland is a popular student destination for internships and field experiences, not to mention entertainment and recreation. Cleveland is home to culturally diverse communities and an array of ethnic institutions and restaurants.
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State-of-the-Art STEM Center
BW's Knowlton Center provides students with innovative learning experiences in engineering, mathematics, computer science and physics that will enable them to explore cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, mathematical modeling and simulation, robotics and optics while connecting with industry leaders.
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Your Home Away from Home
From course registration to how to get a driver's license, the international student services (ISS) office can answer your questions. ISS also hosts programs and events to help international students transition to the campus community.
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History + Innovation
Students enjoy a compact, walkable campus in our safe, residential community. Majestic stone buildings recall the University’s historic founding, while ultramodern facilities meet the needs of 21st century students.
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Tradition + Innovation
Baldwin Wallace has offered students a personalized education for more than 175 years. BW’s curriculum is built on a strong liberal arts foundation. Leading-edge programs develop tangible professional skills and career options to match your academic passion.
Getting Started
- First-Year Undergraduate Application Information
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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.
- 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. Students whose English language skills need development may be conditionally admitted and placed in BW’s ESL program provided by 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.
- Conservatory of Music Application Information
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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 Music applicants are as follows:
- Transfer Application Information
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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.
- 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. Students whose English language skills need development may be conditionally admitted and placed in BW’s ESL program provided by 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.
- Graduate and Professional Programs
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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:
- Undocumented/DACA Students
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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. (Read BW's statement on immigration policy - January 30, 2017.)
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 Hispanic/Latinx students
- Scholarships for undocumented students
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions?
- For additional questions, please contact Joyce Cendroski, Director of Undergraduate Admission at jcendros@bw.edu or (440) 826-8004.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) through LADO
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Baldwin Wallace has partnered with the LADO International Institute to provide ESL programs for international students who need to meet the English language proficiency requirements listed under admissions.
Using the “Total Approach Method” developed by founder and linguist Dr. Robert Lado, LADO courses appeal to different learning styles and take into consideration the native language, culture and education of the student to foster successful outcomes in a small-classroom setting.
LADO students will:
- Improve English skills quickly
- Enjoy a small group classroom environment
- Experience an American campus
- Transition seamlessly from LADO to BW
- Receive a conditional acceptance letter to study at BW upon successful completion of the LADO program
- 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 Alyssa Golinar at agolinar@bw.edu, (440) 826-8191, or visit the LADO/BW program page.
- International Faculty
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Swagata Banik (India)
Public HealthKaren Barahona (Honduras)
Foreign Languages and LiteratureXudong Chen (China)
EconomicsNavneet Grant (India)
Computer ScienceChungsim Han (South Korea)
Mathematics and Computer ScienceRaed Ba Helah (Yemen)
Public HealthSungeun Kim (South Korea)
Conservatory of MusicX. Gloria Liu (China)
BusinessNarasimha Mohan (India)
BusinessAbolfazl Mollalo (Iran)
Public HealthHelen Muga (Papua New Guinea)
EngineeringChristian Nsiah (Ghana)
BusinessVen Ochaya (Uganda)
BusinessHerman Sahni (India)
EconomicsChisomo Selemani (Zambia)
Communication Sciences & DisordersParam Srikantia (India)
BusinessLiya Wang (China)
SociologyYueming Yang (China)
Computer Science
Tuition and Fees for Undergraduate Liberal Arts Students
- 2022-23 Academic Year
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Full-Time Students
12-18 credit hours per semester
Each Semester Full Year Tuition $18,125 $36,250 On-campus housing and meals 1 $6,398 $12,796 Student Activity Fee 2 $200 $400 Onboarding Fee (1st semester only) 3 $200 $200 Total (Residential) $24,923 $49,646 1 Listed cost is the combined total for a standard double room and the prime meal plan.
2 An annual $400 Student Activity Fee ($100 for part-time students) is applied to all student accounts who first enrolled at BW as first-year students in fall 2021 or later. This fee is applied to the student balance, $200 each semester ($50 for part-time students), 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.
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.
Part-Time Students1-11 credit hours per semester
Per Credit Hour Day Students $1,126 Evening Students $779 Weekend Classes $779 Field Experience $779 Independent Study $779 Summer Classes (2022) $525 Student Activity Fee (per semester) 2 $200 Onboarding Fee (one-time fee) 3 $200 - 2021-22 Academic Year
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Full-Time Students
12-18 credit hours per semester
Each Semester Full Year Tuition $17,683 $35,366 On-campus housing and meals 1 $6,212 $12,424 Student Activity Fee 2 $200 $400 Onboarding Fee (1st semester only) 3 $200 $200 Total (Residential) $24,295 $48,390 1 Listed cost is the combined total for a standard double room and the prime meal plan.
2 An annual $400 Student Activity Fee ($100 for part-time students) is applied to all student accounts who first enrolled at BW as first-year students in fall 2021 or later. This fee is applied to the student balance, $200 each semester ($50 for part-time students), 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.
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.
Part-Time Students1-11 credit hours per semester
Per Credit Hour Day Students $1,099 Evening Students $760 Weekend Classes $760 Field Experience $760 Independent Study $760 Summer Classes (2021) $525 Student Activity Fee (per semester) 2 $200 Onboarding Fee (one-time fee) 3 $200
Tuition and Fees for Conservatory of Music Students
- 2022-23 Academic Year
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Full-Time Students
12-18 credit hours per semester
Each Semester Full Year Tuition $19,636 $39,272 On-campus housing and meals 1 $6,398 $12,796 Student Activity Fee 2 $200 $400 Onboarding Fee (1st semester only) 3 $200 $200 Total (Residential) $26,434 $52,668 1 Listed cost is the combined total for a standard double room and the prime meal plan.
2 An annual $400 Student Activity Fee ($100 for part-time students) is applied to all student accounts who first enrolled at BW as first-year students in fall 2021 or later. This fee is applied to the student balance, $200 each semester ($50 for part-time students), 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.
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.
Part-Time Students1-11 credit hours per semester
Per Credit Hour Day Students $1,248 Student Activity Fee (per semester) 2 $200 Onboarding Fee (one-time fee) 3 $200 - 2021-22 Academic Year
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Full-Time Students
12-18 credit hours per semester
Each Semester Full Year Tuition $19,157 $38,314 On-campus housing and meals 1 $6,212 $12,424 Student Activity Fee 2 $200 $400 Onboarding Fee (1st semester only) 3 $200 $200 Total (Residential) $25,769 $51,338 1 Listed cost is the combined total for a standard double room and the prime meal plan.
2 An annual $400 Student Activity Fee ($100 for part-time students) is applied to all student accounts who first enrolled at BW as first-year students in fall 2021 or later. This fee is applied to the student balance, $200 each semester ($50 for part-time students), 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.
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.
Part-Time Students1-11 credit hours per semester
Per Credit Hour Day Classes $1,218 Student Activity Fee (per semester) 2 $200 Onboarding Fee (one-time fee) 3 $200
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
- Scholarships for International Students
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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 current LADO students who enroll in an undergraduate degree program at BW. Alumni Award $2,000 Awarded to children and grandchildren of BW graduates. This award is renewable. Sibling $2,000
per siblingAwarded to student siblings enrolled as full-time undergraduates at BW. This award is renewable. Ministerial Up to 50%
of tuitionAwarded 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. Griffiths
Scholarship$2,000 - $8,000 Awarded to admitted Conservatory of Music 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
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)
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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
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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
- Complete the steps in Payment Portal using your preferred method of payment
Deposit Refunds
Please note that the new student deposit is refundable until May 1 for fall 2023 enrollment. 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
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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
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You will need to pay your SEVIS fee before a F visa will be issued. View information on how to pay your 1-901 SEVIS fee.
- Onboarding Forms (Housing and Orientation)
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Students Entering Fall 2022
Visit admission.bw.edu/apply/status and log in using your application account information. You will use the same username and password that you set up when you applied or viewed your application status. It works best if you use a desktop computer for these tasks. You will be prompted to complete a few forms, including:
- Select class schedule preferences – Outline various details regarding your class schedule preferences. This will allow BW to prepare a schedule for you.
- Select campus housing/commuter form – Complete the housing application. For requests to live at home, file the residency exemption application within this form.
All forms are reviewed in the order of the date received. The sooner you complete your forms, the sooner you will receive a confirmation sent to your BW email. In addition, housing preferences are based on the date your housing application is completed.
Students Entering Fall 2023
Onboarding information will be posted in early 2023 for students entering BW in fall 2023.
- Book Your Flight
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Now, you need to purchase your airline ticket. After you have confirmed your flight to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, please email Kristin Brewer at kbrewer@bw.edu with all of 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 and COVID-19 quarantine requirements prior to your arrival. View CDC guidelines here.
- Connect with BW
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Social media
Tell family and friends you’re a Yellow Jacket for Life (YJ4L) and connect with other future and current Yellow Jackets.
Virtual Visits
- Schedule a one-on-one virtual counselor appointment with an admission counselor.
- Take a virtual tour of BW.
- Questions?
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We are here to assist you with your questions. Please contact our admission office at (440) 826-2222 or admission@bw.edu.
International first-year students should contact:
Ricki Janis at (440) 826-8008 or rjanis@bw.edu
International transfer students should contact:
Janna Whitaker at (440) 826-8010 or jwhitake@bw.edu
International graduate and professional program students should contact:
Kate Glaser at (440) 826-8016 or kglaser@bw.edu