Organizer Information
Earlham College is a private liberal arts college in Richmond, Indiana, United States. It offers undergraduate programs across the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and visual and performing arts. Its academic options include majors, minors, interdisciplinary study, and applied minors that connect coursework with practical and co-curricular experiences. The College welcomes international applicants and provides academic advising and international student support.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Earlham College
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Digital Arts, Theatre Arts, Music, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Studies
- Relevant Programs: Art; Digital Arts (applied minor); Art, Nature and Conservation (applied minor); Music; Theatre Arts; Creative Writing; Museum Studies (verify current availability in the catalog)
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026 (Early Decision and Early Action I); 1 December 2026 (Early Action II); 1 February 2027 (Regular Decision)
- Start of Studies: Fall entry; confirm the applicable enrollment date with the College
- Application Fee: $0 for international applicants using Earlham's free application route
- Tuition: $56,784 per academic year (2026–2027, full-time undergraduate tuition)
- Funding: Merit scholarships, need-based institutional grants, and on-campus work awards may be available to international students.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Earlham offers study options in the visual and performing arts alongside humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Relevant options include Art, Music, Theatre Arts, and the applied minors Digital Arts and Art, Nature and Conservation. Creative Writing and interdisciplinary subjects provide additional options for students whose interests cross traditional academic boundaries.
- Students should consult the current academic catalog to confirm whether a subject is offered as a major, minor, or applied minor. Applied minors supplement a student's main academic program rather than replacing a degree.
General Eligibility
- Earlham College accepts international applicants for undergraduate study. Admission is selective and considers academic preparation, grades, extracurricular involvement, leadership, community service, and work experience where provided. International applicants must also demonstrate the financial capacity required for enrollment and visa documentation.
- Studio or performing arts experience is considered desirable in the international admissions guidance, but it is not stated as a universal admission requirement.
Educational Background
Applicants should have completed secondary education appropriate for entry to an undergraduate degree. Earlham's international admissions guidance identifies the following preparation as typical among successful applicants:
- Four credits of English.
- Three credits of mathematics.
- Two credits of social sciences.
- Two credits of sciences.
- Two credits of world languages, including a language other than the applicant's native language.
These are described as typical preparation rather than fixed universal entrance requirements. The College evaluates academic records as part of its holistic admissions review.
Language Requirements
International applicants whose first language is not English must provide English-proficiency verification for the F-1 student visa process. Earlham accepts several tests and an eligible IB English result.
| Test | Minimum required score | Recommended score |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79 | 92 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 | 7.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 | 125 |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 400 | 600 |
| ACT Reading | 20 | 26 |
Earlham also lists GTEC, ISA, Cambridge, and Pearson assessments. An IB English class grade equivalent to CEFR B2 or higher may be accepted. SAT and ACT are optional for general admission, but the College explains that test scores may still be needed to establish English proficiency and academic preparedness for international student visa documentation.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| International undergraduate applicants using Earlham's free application route | $0 |
Earlham's official international student guidance states that applicants can apply for free.
Tuition
| Cost | 2026–2027 amount | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $56,784 | Academic year |
| Room | $8,300 | Academic year |
| Board (meals) | $7,462 | Academic year |
| Fees | $980 | Academic year |
| Total listed cost | $73,526 | Academic year |
| Part-time tuition | $1,893 per credit hour | Per credit hour |
| Overload charge | $1,577 per credit hour | Per credit hour above 18 credits per semester |
- These published costs are from Earlham's 2026–2027 academic catalog. Certain courses may carry additional charges for materials, equipment, or private music lessons.
- International students must also budget for health insurance. Earlham's financial aid guidance lists an approximate annual insurance cost of $2,300 for students who must use the College's plan because they lack other valid U.S. coverage.
Funding & Financial Support
- Earlham considers international applicants for merit scholarships, need-based institutional grants, and on-campus work awards. The College's international admissions page lists merit scholarships of up to $37,000 for eligible students, renewable for up to eight semesters subject to GPA requirements. Awards are competitive and are not guaranteed.
- All international applicants must submit the International Student Financial Information Form through the applicant portal, regardless of their ability to pay. Applicants should also prepare supporting financial documents. Earlham states that international students outside the United World Colleges pathway and their families must be able to contribute at least $25,000 toward the first year's costs, with the expected contribution increasing alongside subsequent costs.
University Services & Academic Support
- Earlham provides international students with an international student adviser who assists with the I-20 and student visa process and offers support with cultural adjustment and practical matters. Students also have access to faculty advising, peer mentors, teaching assistants, and a writing center.
- The College's academic structure supports interdisciplinary study, independent major proposals, and senior capstone work. Access to specific facilities and resources depends on the relevant course or program.
Application Requirements
International undergraduate applicants should prepare the following materials:
- Application form: Submitted through the Common Application.
- Official secondary school records and examination results: Sent by the applicant's school.
- Recommendation: Completed by a school counselor, school official, or teacher.
- English-proficiency evidence: Required for international applicants whose first language is not English, subject to accepted assessment options.
- International Student Financial Information Form: Completed through the applicant status portal after submitting the admission application.
- Financial documentation: Bank statements and other supporting records, as requested by admissions.
Applicants may also arrange an interview with the director of international admissions to strengthen their application. The official guidance presents this as an opportunity, not a universal mandatory interview requirement. A portfolio is not listed as a general admission requirement for all applicants.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Decision and Early Action I deadline: 1 November 2026
- Early Action II deadline: 1 December 2026
- Regular Decision deadline: 1 February 2027
- Early Decision and Early Action I decision notification: 1 December 2026
- Early Action II decision notification: 8 January 2027
- Regular Decision notification: 1 March 2027
These dates are published in Earlham's 2026–2027 academic catalog. Applicants should confirm their intended entry term and application plan against the current admissions portal.
Location
Earlham College — Richmond, Indiana, United States
Additional Details
- Earlham's undergraduate degree structure centers on the Bachelor of Arts. Students can combine two majors or a major and a minor.
- The College's 2026–2027 catalog identifies some programs as inactive for new students. Applicants should verify current availability before choosing a field.
- Early Decision is binding, while Early Action is non-binding.
- Admission and financial aid are assessed separately. International applicants should review the required family contribution and visa-related financial documentation before applying.