English Language Academy (ELA)
Study in the USA without IELTS — learn English on the A-State campus
The English Language Academy is the university’s own academic English program, accredited by CEA. You receive conditional admission, come to Jonesboro for small-class English, live in the residence halls with American students, and move straight into your degree on completion — no repeat TOEFL or IELTS.
6
Academic English levels
11:1
Students per instructor
CEA
Accredited (through Dec 2027)
0
TOEFL/IELTS tests needed after completion
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How the ELA works
A program designed to take you from general English to lecture-hall English.
- 1
Apply for conditional admission
Apply to your intended major as usual. If your academic record qualifies but your English does not, the university issues conditional admission together with an ELA admission letter — enough to obtain your I-20 and F-1 visa.
- 2
Placement test on arrival
In your first week in Jonesboro you take a placement test to enter the right one of the six levels. Students around IELTS 5.0 typically need one to two semesters.
- 3
Full-time study in small classes
About 18–20 classroom hours a week covering listening, speaking, reading, writing and academic grammar, at 11 students per instructor. You use the library, gym, clubs and every service available to degree students.
- 4
Finish the top level, start your degree
Completing Level 6 satisfies A-State’s English requirement for both undergraduate and graduate study. You begin your major the following term with no further TOEFL or IELTS.
02
Reference ELA cost (one semester)
| Item | Estimate (USD) |
|---|---|
| ELA tuition | $4,400 |
| University fees | $575 |
| Health insurance and other charges | $1,547 |
| Total per semester (excluding housing and meals) | ≈ $6,522 |
Estimates based on astate.edu for 2026–27; housing and meals are not included (see the Cost of Attendance page). The university may adjust figures — the office confirms the latest numbers when you apply.
Source: astate.edu — Tuition & Fees (International) · astate.edu · Updated Aug 22, 2026
Who the ELA is for
- High-school graduates with strong grades who have not taken IELTS/TOEFL or scored below 5.5
- Students who want to arrive early and settle in before starting their major
- Graduate applicants who need to reach the 6.0-equivalent level
- Anyone wanting a one-semester academic English experience at a US university
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Why the ELA rather than IELTS prep at home?
Test prep gets you a score; the ELA gets you ready to learn in English. You write academic essays, give presentations, work in teams with classmates from more than 70 countries, and get used to how American professors ask questions. Many Vietnamese students say their first ELA semester is the reason they earned a high GPA once in their major — the “English shock” was already behind them. The ELA period is also covered by your F-1 visa, so there is no second visa application.
Contact the ELA directly at ELA@AState.edu — or let our admissions team liaise with the ELA for you.
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More about the ELA
ELA FAQ
How long will I study in the ELA?
It depends on your placement result. Students at roughly IELTS 5.0 usually finish in one to two semesters; beginners may need longer. You can move up one level each semester.
Am I guaranteed a place in my degree after the ELA?
Yes, if you hold conditional admission. Completing the top ELA level satisfies the university’s English requirement. You must still maintain full-time status and meet the conditions in your admission letter.
Is an F-1 visa harder to get for the ELA?
No. Conditional admission with an I-20 is a valid basis for an F-1 visa. What matters is clear proof of funds and a sensible study plan — the office runs interview practice with you.
Can ELA students live on campus?
Yes. ELA students live in the residence halls and use the dining halls, library, gym and shuttles like degree students. Housing costs are on the Cost of Attendance page.
Are there scholarships for the ELA?
The $3,000-per-year international scholarship applies when you enter your degree with full admission. For the ELA period itself, contact the office to confirm any current offers.
Can I start the ELA in summer?
The ELA has several entry points during the year. Session dates are updated each academic year — contact the office to confirm the next session that suits you.
Ready to study in the USA at A-State?
Book a free 1-on-1 session with our admissions team — pathway, scholarships, documents and visa in one meeting.