Jacksonville State University is located in the Southeastern part of the United States. The university is located in the city of Jacksonville, Alabama. The university has over 7,600 students, including 1,100 graduate students. Students from all over the United States, and from over 50 countries, attend Jacksonville State University. Most of the students who attend the university come from homes located within about 60 miles from Jacksonville and drive to school each day to attend classes.

The city of Jacksonville has about 11,000 residents. Compared with other, larger American cities, Jacksonville is quieter, more relaxed, friendlier, and has less crime. Jacksonville is located about 15 miles from two slightly larger cities, Anniston and Gadsden. Many students live in or near these cities. Birmingham, Alabama is about 70 miles from Jacksonville; and Atlanta, Georgia is about 100 miles away. These are some of the largest cities in the Southeast and have excellent shopping, entertainment and food. It takes about two hours to drive to Atlanta from Jacksonville, and one and one-half hours to drive to Birmingham.

Jacksonville is located at the southern end of a series of mountains that extends from Alabama to Maine. This region has very mild winters, a long autumn, and hot summers. Jacksonville is approximately at the same latitude as Athens, Beirut, Islamabad and Shanghai.

Information about departments, programs, and degrees which are offered at Jacksonville State University can be found in other parts of this Web Site, or in the University Catalogue.

International students are an important part of campus life at Jacksonville State University. Over 200 international students, from Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, and the Middle East, are enrolled. Students are represented in University affairs through the International Student Organization, and most recently through a seat in Student Government Council. International students and their cultures are formally recognized each year through International Week activities on campus. Informally, international students are involved in sports (especially soccer, tennis, golf, and rifle teams), student professional organizations, and clubs.

The University strives to provide an environment in which international students can easily learn more about American society, and in which students from Alabama learn about other societies. Jacksonville State University has shown a long commitment to an international environment on campus with the establishment in 1966 of one of the first International House Programs in the country. Today it continues in this tradition.

International students who have never attended college in the United States should send all of the following materials in one envelope to the Office of Admissions & Records:

• an official transcript or document which indicates that you graduated from secondary school (high school)
• official TOEFL scores
• a completed application form
• a non-refundable application fee of $20
• and an International Student Financial Statement.

  Applications cannot be reviewed until the language test scores, high school certificate, completed application form and application fee are all received. Incomplete applications produce unnecessary delays.

  TOEFL scores must be 500 or more on the paper-based test or 173 or more on the computer-based test, and must be taken within the last two years. (Students may send scores taken on the ACT or SAT rather than TOEFL scores. Acceptable scores are total scores of 19 or more on the Enhanced ACT, combined verbal and math scores of 800 or more on the Original SAT, or 900 or more on the Recentered SAT.) It is important that language test scores (TOEFL, ACT, or SAT) and high school graduation certificates be available before applications are mailed.

  International students requesting an Application Form also receive another form entitled, International Student Financial Statement. We suggest that you complete the Statement and include it with your completed Application. All students coming to the U.S. on a F-1 Visa must be able to show that they have enough money to pay for their education and living expenses. The amount of money that students must have available for studying and living at Jacksonville State University for one year is $14,035. Students who have been accepted for admission will receive an I-20 and be permitted to register for classes after the Financial Statement is received and reviewed by the Office of Admissions & Records.

  International students who are transferring from another regionally accredited college or university in the United States must send the following materials in order to be considered for admission:

  • official transcripts from each college or university attended
  • TOEFL scores on tests taken within the last two years (see TOEFL description above)
  • a completed application form
  • a non-refundable application fee of $20
  • and an International Student Financial Statement.

    Applications cannot be reviewed until the official transcripts, language test scores, completed application and application fee are received. These should be sent in one envelope. Incomplete applications produce delays.

    Transfer students who have taken 24 acceptable semester hours, including 6 semester hours of Freshman English Composition, at a college or university in the U.S. may be excused from the TOEFL requirement.

    All transfer students must also complete the International Student Financial Statement described above. We recommend that you submit the Statement with your Application. This speeds the admissions process.

    International Students who are applying to graduate school should go to the section on Graduate Admissions.

Three types of housing are available: on-campus dormitories; off-campus apartments operated by the University; and off-campus apartments or houses that are independently owned and operated.

We encourage international students to live in a dormitory for at least their first semester on campus. The dormitories are centrally located, close to all university activities and classes, and have advisors to help students with questions. After students have become adjusted to life in the University and are familiar with the community they can re-evaluate their housing options.

International students are invited to consider living in a special dormitory, called the International Dormitory, in Daugette Hall. This older building is located close to the center of campus and has cooking facilities. Unlike all other dorms on campus, it remains open year-round. Costs for living in the dormitory are reasonable. Students living in the dormitory must meet selection criteria based upon grades and commitment to scholarly activity.

Jacksonville State University has a scholarship program specifically designed for international students who are just starting college - the International House program. Students selected for the program meet special requirements. Tuition, room and board, and living expenses are paid by the scholarship. The scholarship is for a maximum of two years. (See International House listing for details.)

There are a small number of general academic scholarships that are open to all students who have completed one or more semesters at Jacksonville State University. The basis of the scholarships is academic excellence. (See Financial Aid listing for details.)

Employment opportunities are limited. Government regulations limit the number of hours that international students can work, and the type of work the students can perform. International students who are enrolled at our University can contact the Financial Aid office or the international student advisor to discuss employment opportunities.

Student loans and grants from the U.S. government are unavailable for international students.

Contact Dr. Adrian Aveni, Professor of Sociology, for more information on programs for international students at Jacksonville State University, His e-mail address is intprog@jsucc.jsu.edu. He can be reached by regular mail at:

International Programs and Services
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL 36265, U.S.A.