As an international student at Sandburg, you’ll experience small class sizes, individualized attention from faculty, and friendly staff to help you transition to living and studying in the United States.
At Sandburg, you’re in charge.
But you’re not alone. We’ll give you the support and tools you need to work towards a bright future — on your own terms, no matter what success looks like to you. And while you won’t break the bank coming to Sandburg, our academic and workforce programs can significantly boost your earning potential. That’s taking charge of your success.
Welcome to Sandburg.
Our current student body includes students from more than 30 states and 14 countries. Sandburg celebrates the rich diversity of our student body in various clubs and organizations through our office of Diversity & Inclusion and by displaying the flags from the states and countries our students call home.
With more than 40 degree and certificate programs from which to choose, Sandburg has a program to help you take charge of your future. Whether you hope to get into the working world quickly or prefer to earn your two-year degree and continue your studies at another college or university, we have a program that’s perfect for you.
For assistance with the ISS application and admission, email the ISS advisor , or call 309.341.5312.
About Galesburg
Sandburg’s main campus is located in Galesburg, IL, approximately three-and-a-half hours southwest of Chicago in the Central Time Zone (CT).
Galesburg is a small, rural, historic community set in the prairie of west-central Illinois. The climate varies from an average of 17° F (-8° degrees C) in the winter to 85° F (29° C) in the summer.
Apply today.
Admitted students next steps
Frequently asked questions
How to apply as an international student
Step 1: Complete & submit the free application.
Step 2: Provide proof of high school graduation.
Email an official transcript that provides evidence of graduation from a secondary school. Transcripts must be translated into English.
Step 3: Provide proof of English proficiency, if applicable.
If you're native language is not English, submit one of the following:
- TOEFL IBT minimum score of 68. Official test results must be sent directly from ETS using school code 1982.
- IELTS minimum score of 5.5.
- Official SAT score with an evidence-based reading and writing sub-score of 480 or higher. Official test results must be sent directly from College Board using school code 1982.
Step 4: Provide a photocopy of your current passport.
Step 5: Certify your finances and bank statement.
In planning your expenses, you must have a minimum of $21,000 USD at your disposal for each year of study.
You must submit valid supporting financial documents certifying you have sufficient funds available to cover expenses for your first year at Sandburg. Study in the States provides more information regarding the financial ability requirement.
How to submit your documents
All documents can be sent via email. Scanned copies of original documents must be clear and in color. Scanned documents will be used for admissions purposes only.
Deadlines
- Fall semester (Aug. start date): July 1
- Spring semester (Jan. start date): Nov. 1
Sandburg will issue a Form I-20 after all admission requirements are met. Email your advisor for help or with questions.
Apply for an F-1visa.
Once all forms are submitted and verified, the college will issue a Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. To apply for your visa, you will need to do the following:
Step 1: Pay the student and exchange visitor information system (SEVIS) fee.
Every international student who wishes to begin an “initial” program of study must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. You’ll need the information on your I-20 to pay the fee.
Step 2: Make a visa interview appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information about the visa application process and requirements.
Step 3: Arrive in the U.S., and clear customs at the U.S. Port of Entry with necessary documents no later than the program start date listed on your I-20.
Admitted student next steps
If you're admitted, here's what will happen next:
Placement testing
Sandburg wants you to help you take charge and be successful in your course work. Your placement test scores ensure the proper placement into appropriate courses for your skill level.
Accuplacer placement test
The Accuplacer placement test is required for new students. This untimed assessment test covers reading and math and determines the level of classes you may begin.
- You can sit for placement testing (Accuplacer) once you arrive on campus. You can also schedule a virtual test after your visa has been granted.
- There's no charge to take the Accuplacer placement test (up to two attempts).
- Test results are valid for five years.
It's important to prepare for the placement test so you’re placed appropriately in courses where you can succeed and make progress. Time spent in developmental courses will delay enrollment into college-level courses. To study for the Accuplacer test, review the following in the Accuplacer website:
- Next Generation Advanced Algebra
- Quantitative Reasoning and Statistics
- Next Generation Reading Sample
- View additional practice tests and sample questions.
Submit official SAT scores (optional).
If you want to use your SAT test scores instead of taking the placement test, you'll need to have your official test results sent to Sandburg directly from the College Board using school code 1982. SAT test must have been taken within five years of admissions.
The minimum SAT scores needed for class placement are:
- Evidence-based reading and writing sub-score of 480 or higher
- Mathematics sub-score of 530 or higher
Visit our placement testing page for additional information.
Class registration
After you receive your student visa and complete placement testing, you'll be ready to register for classes. An academic advisor will guide you to make sure you’re registered in the right classes for your degree.
International tuition
International tuition is $295 per credit hour for 2024-2025. International students are not eligible for in-district tuition rates or federal financial aid.
Estimated expenses for one academic year
|
Cost of attendance for an international student |
|
|
Tuition & fees |
$ 11,000 |
|
Housing & food |
$ 6,600 |
|
Books & supplies |
$ 1,800 |
|
Insurance/personal expenses |
$ 1,600 |
|
Total (two semesters) |
$ 21,000 |
Based on your academic program, additional fees may apply. See the tuition and fees page for details.
Students enrolled at Sandburg studying on an F-1 visa must be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours) during the Fall and Spring semesters to maintain their status. We encourage enrolling in at least 15 credit hours per semester in case you need to drop a course.
Housing
Sandburg doesn't offer on-campus student housing. In the Galesburg area, there are numerous private housing options for students. Most of these options come unfurnished; however, a few may offer help in securing furnishings.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How do I obtain an F-1 visa?
Once all forms are submitted and verified, Sandburg will issue a Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. You won't be able to request your Form I-20 until all of your information has been turned into the DSO/PDSO you’ve been working with at Sandburg.
Once you submit all the required documents and your Form I-20 has been issued, additional steps are required to obtain an F-1 visa. Visit the U.S. visa website for the detailed steps. Pay the I-901 fee here.
Sandburg does not issue an F-1 visa. The Form I-20 is issued by Sandburg and has F-1 printed in the top, right corner; however, this is not your visa. You must follow the additional steps to obtain your visa.
Q2: Can I apply for scholarships?
The Sandburg Foundation offers scholarships to all Sandburg students, and international students may qualify for some of these funds. Talent scholarships for athletics, theater, art or music may be available and given at the coach or coordinator's discretion. Learn more about our athletic programs. If you’re interested in athletics, please contact the coach for scholarship availability.
Q3: How are Sandburg courses structured?
Credit hours
Courses at Sandburg are based on credit hours. The college uses the Carnegie Unit as the basis for the credit hour. One semester credit equals 50 minutes of faculty instruction time per week for a minimum of 15 weeks along with a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week during the semester, for each credit hour. An equivalent amount of work is required for all forms of learning activities including online, blended, laboratory work, studio work and courses meeting on a shortened schedule. Generally, most classes are 3 credit hours. Some of the science and math courses may be additional credit hours.
Semesters
Sandburg has three semesters each academic year. Our academic year begins in August and ends in July.
- Fall semester: August-December (17 weeks)
- Spring semester: January-May (17 weeks)
- Summer semester: June-July (11 weeks)
Classes
Classes at Sandburg are listed by discipline, course number and section number. For example, Freshman Composition 1 would be listed on the student schedule as ENG.101.100 (e.g., ENG (Freshman Composition). 101 (1). 100 (Section Number)).
Full-time status
All international students must be registered for a full-time credit load to be in compliance with your F-1 visa status. Full-time means taking at least 12 credit hours per semester, or four classes per semester. Most full-time students take 15 credit hours per semester or five classes per semester.
Degrees & certificates
You have the option to complete an associate degree or a certificate, which typically requires a minimum of two years of coursework. Selected degrees may require coursework prior to acceptance into the program, which can take one year or more. Certificate programs typically require a year of coursework, and some certificate programs may be completed after one semester.
Q4: What are the classroom expectations?
Our international students come from different educational experiences and sometimes have challenges adjusting to the classroom expectations in the United States.
Students attending Sandburg courses are expected to:
- Attend class regularly. Attendance in class is essential to the successful completion of the course. Some courses may award points for attendance while others may deduct points for absences. Read and understand the attendance policies for each course included in your syllabus.
- Read, understand and abide by the classroom policies established in the course syllabus. Each course may have different classroom policies, and you're responsible for following these established rules.
- Meet homework deadlines, and come prepared for class.
- Work outside of the classroom. On average, you'll spend five hours per week reading the textbook and taking notes, two hours per week preparing for and taking practice quizzes and two hours per week preparing study questions.
Q5: What should I expect when I arrive to Sandburg?
When you arrive, you’ll attend international student orientation to help you get started. You'll learn about adjusting to life in the U.S., how to maintain your immigration status, the services and resources available on campus, and much more.
You'll have the option of completing the placement test and registration before your arrival. Once you're on campus, you can meet with your academic advisor in person if you wish to review your classes or make any changes.
You'll then need to pay tuition and fees, and purchase your books and supplies before beginning your classes on the first day of the semester.
Q6: What services and resources are available to me?
As an international student, you have access to many student services and resources to help you be successful in courses.
Academic advising
Upon enrollment, you'll be assigned an academic advisor, who will be your contact person during your enrollment at Sandburg. Each term prior to registration, you'll meet with your advisor to discuss courses for the upcoming semester. Your advisor is also a valuable information resource regarding program requirements, college graduation requirements and transfer coursework.
Learn more about academic advising.
Computer labs
There are multiple computer labs on campus available for your use. While it's helpful to have a personal laptop, it's not required. You can print up to 500 documents for free each semester.
Library
Sandburg’s robust library has helpful staff who can assist you with research, database searches and various other services.
Tutoring
Our Tutoring Center is the place to go for help with all your core classes — from math and science to writing and general study skills. Tutoring is available primarily on a walk-in basis, though you can call ahead to schedule an appointment.
You have access to tutoring any day, any time with a free online resource, Brainfuse. If you have internet access and a Sandburg student email account, you can take advantage of this resource.
Student life
We have an active and engaging campus offering a wide variety of opportunities for you to get involved and get the most from your college experience. From student organizations to guest speakers to campus-wide festivals, there’s something for everyone to do!
Athletics
We're a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and host five men's sports, five women's sports and one co-ed team. Many of our students enjoy attending our sporting events and take pride in being a Charger!
Visit the athletic website for more information.
Public Safety
Public Safety's mission is to provide a safe and secure community in which the college may carry out its educational mission. The campus is patrolled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more about public safety.
Q8: Does Galesburg have public transportation?
The nearest student housing option is about half-mile from campus.
Galesburg Transit
Students can ride the bus for free anywhere on Galesburg transit routes. You simply show your student ID each time you ride. Galesburg public bus system makes stops on campus approximately every hour on the half-hour. For a map of the bus route and for more information, visit the Galesburg transit website. Sandburg is served by the Route 3 Red bus line.
Nearest airports
Galesburg is located in west-central Illinois and is approximately three hours southwest of Chicago and three hours north of St. Louis. The nearest airports are Moline, IL, and Peoria, IL, both approximately 45 minutes from Galesburg. Students may fly into any of the two airports in Chicago or the airport in St. Louis, but have the added challenge of securing transportation to Galesburg from these locations.
Train service
Galesburg is also served by the Amtrak train from Chicago. If you fly into either Chicago O'Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway International Airport, you can take Chicago public transportation to Union Station located in downtown Chicago, and then ride the Amtrak train to Galesburg.