Alderson Broaddus University is small enough that every international student is known by name within their first month, and large enough that 28 countries are currently represented in our student body. About 8% of AB students are international. They live in our residence halls, lead our student government, anchor our equestrian team, win our research awards, and often go on to graduate school or careers in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and home countries from Brazil to Bangladesh.
The Office of International Student Services, located in Burbick Hall Suite 220, provides personalized support from application through graduation. Our SEVP-certified Designated School Officials guide every step of the F-1 visa process, from initial I-20 issuance to OPT and STEM-OPT authorization after graduation.
The Cultural Mentor Program pairs every incoming international student with a returning international peer. Friday Global Cafe brings 60+ students together every week for international snacks and conversation. The annual International Festival in March transforms the quad into a global village.
The AB Application or Common App. Application fee: $50 (waived for partner-school applicants).
Translated transcripts from secondary school (and any prior university) — official translations through WES, ECE, or equivalent.
One of: TOEFL iBT 70+, IELTS 6.0+, Duolingo 95+, PTE Academic 50+, or AB's own English Placement Test.
Per U.S. Department of State guidelines. Bank statement or affidavit of support covering one academic year of expenses.
Photocopy of passport biographical page. Once admitted, AB will issue your I-20 form for F-1 visa application.
Optional essay of 300–500 words on why AB and what you hope to study. Strongly recommended for scholarship consideration.
| Category | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $28,940 |
| Room (residence hall) | $5,580 |
| Board (unlimited meal plan) | $5,210 |
| Fees & Technology | $1,250 |
| Books & Supplies (est.) | $900 |
| Health Insurance (mandatory for F-1) | $2,400 |
| Personal Expenses (est.) | $1,500 |
| Total Estimated Annual Cost | $45,780 |
Up to $20,000 per year in merit-based scholarships are available to qualified international applicants. Plus, all international students receive an automatic $5,000 Battler Global Award.
Airport Pickup: Free for incoming international students arriving at PIT or CKB during designated arrival windows. Cultural Mentors greet you at the airport and ride with you to campus.
Welcome Week: The week before classes, international students arrive 4–5 days early for an orientation focused on academic culture, U.S. banking, cell phone setup, transportation, the F-1 visa rules, on-campus jobs, and weekly programming.
Cultural Mentor Program: Every new international student is paired with a returning international peer mentor for the first year — someone to text on a Tuesday night when you can't figure out the laundry machine.
Friday Global Cafe: Every Friday afternoon, 60+ students gather in the Brake Alumni Center for international snacks (rotating by region), conversation, and weekend planning. Open to all AB students; international and domestic.
International Festival: Every March, the quad becomes a global village for an evening: food booths from 28 countries, performances, traditional dress, and the Festival Crown awarded to the country with the most enthusiastic showing.
Travel Weekends: Quarterly trips to Washington D.C., New York City, the Smoky Mountains, and Niagara Falls — fully chartered, lightly programmed, designed to give international students a taste of the country beyond West Virginia.
OPT & STEM-OPT Support: The DSO team helps every graduating international student with optional practical training (OPT) employment authorization, including the 24-month STEM extension for eligible majors.
Argentina, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, Venezuela.
