Abraham Lincoln University welcomes students from around the globe, doing what we can to provide distance learning for international students the world over. ALU offers an array of online degree and diploma programs for students who are continuing their education at the postsecondary level. The university provides a dynamic, technology-based distance education environment to engage students in a rich, multimedia learning experience.
Mobile students with sufficient Internet access may enroll and study virtually at any time from nearly any location in the world. ALU proudly counts itself as one of the many reputable universities that accept international students in California.
International Students
For international students applying to American universities, Los Angeles and Southern California are a visitor’s paradise. The population was found to be more than 3.9 million people in the 2015 Census. L.A. is the largest city in the state and, after New York City, the second most populous city in the country. Los Angeles County is recognized as the most cosmopolitan and ethnically diverse of the nation’s largest cities.
ALU encourages applications from international students. No English language services are offered, however. No I-20 services are provided since ALU is a distance learning institution and requires no resident or physical classroom attendance.
Applicants who speak English as a second language or who have earned credits or degrees in a country other than the U.S. are required to provide additional documentation during the application and enrollment process.
Tuition for International Students
International students must pay for a full academic year and all fees upon signing the enrollment agreement.
| PROGRAM / DEGREE | SEMESTER CREDIT (1) | SEMESTER CREDIT (3) | TOTAL PROGRAM |
| CERTIFICATE (Undergraduate) | $375 | $1,125 | $5,625 – $9,000 |
| CERTIFICATE (Master) | $525 | $1,575 | $9,450 – $12,600 |
| DIPLOMA | $375 | $1,125 | $11,250 |
| ASSOCIATE | $375 | $1,125 | $22,500 |
| BACHELOR | $375 | $1,125 | $45,000 |
| MASTER | $525 | $1,575 | $15,750 |
| DOCTORATE (excluding JD) | $675 | $2,025 | $40,500 |
Submitting Academic Documentation
Students are required to have official copies of transcripts from secondary schools and colleges and universities that they have attended sent directly to ALU. Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Foreign Transcript Evaluation
Transcripts for comparable university-level courses completed in a country other than the United States must be evaluated by an outside credential evaluation company before they are submitted to ALU. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services members are acceptable sources for foreign credential evaluation and translation services.
Verifying English Proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English and have not completed their studies at an accredited U.S. college or university must submit evidence of English proficiency through one of the following sources:
| English Equivalency Measurement | Undergraduate MIN Score | Graduate MIN Score | Juris Doctor MIN Score |
| TOEFL PBT (Paper Based Test) | 57 | 60 | 65 |
| TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test) | 61 | 71 | 80 |
| International English Language Test (IELT) | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report | 44 | 50 | 58 |
| Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report | 44 | 50 | 58 |
| ESL Language Use | 85 | 85 | 85 |
| ESL Listening | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| ESL Reading | 85 | 85 | 85 |
| ESL Sentence Meaning | 90 | 90 | 90 |
| ESL Write Placer | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Eiken English Proficiency Exam | Pre-1 | Pre-1 | Pre-1 |
| Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) | B-2 | B-2 | B-2 |
| Appropriately Accredited Institution recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and/or the Council of Higher Educational Accreditation (CHEA)* | Completion of 30 semester credit hours with an average grade of “C” or higher or accepted foreign equivalent that is listed in the International Handbook of Universities where the language of instruction was English. | Completion of 30 semester credit hours with an average grade of “C” or higher or accepted foreign equivalent that is listed in the International Handbook of Universities where the language of instruction was English. | Completion of 30 semester credit hours with an average grade of “C” or higher or accepted foreign equivalent that is listed in the International Handbook of Universities where the language of instruction was English. |
*Transcripts not in English must be evaluated by an appropriate third party and translated into English or evaluated by a trained transcript evaluator fluent in the language on the transcript. In this case, the evaluator must have expertise in the educational practices of the country of origin and include an English translation of the review.
Submitting Academic Documentation (JD Applicants Only)
Students are required to have official copies of transcripts from secondary schools and colleges and universities that they have attended sent directly to ALU. Foreign Transcript Evaluation: Transcripts for comparable university-level courses completed in a country other than the United States must be evaluated by an outside credential evaluation company that is approved by the California State Bar before they are submitted to ALU.
Social Security Exemption Form (JD Applicants Only)
Applicants for admission are required to provide a social security number at the time they apply. Applicants who do not qualify for a social security number may request that they be exempted from the requirement by using the Social Security Exemption form.
Request Information
Explore how ALU’s online distance education courses can work for you. As one of the top distance education universities in California for non-traditional students, our Admissions team has the information you need to help you with your application and succeed with our school. Additional information is available for those who seek transfer credit or want to study at ALU as an international student.
If you prefer to speak to our Admissions Team directly, give us a call at 213-252-5100.
We are open between the hours of 9:00 AM & 6:00 PM PST Monday through Friday
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