International

Ohio Northern is recognized for our excellent academic programs and our safe and friendly campus. You'll join more than 80 international students who have selected ONU's campus to earn their degrees.

Apply to Ohio Northern University at least three months before the intended date of enrollment in order to allow adequate time to apply for a non-immigrant student visa from your home country. To apply, please complete the University Application or Common Application, and submit the following supporting documents to the Office of International Admissions:

• Official high school transcripts or records of national examinations
• Proof of English Language Proficiency

In order to obtain an I-20, the following documents are required:

• Affidavit(s) of Support and Bank Statement(s)
• Letter of Sponsorship, if sponsored by foreign government
• Passport information page copy

International transfer students must provide a NACES-affiliated evaluation member if transferring from a foreign university.

Ohio Northern University's preferred evaluation service is Spantran Pathways. 

International students whose native language is not English need to submit evidence of English language proficiency that is sufficient for successful university studies. 

The scores listed above apply to degree-seeking students and exchange students.

Completion of AP English, IB English, and A-Levels English coursework also is accepted as evidence of proficiency. Students who attended American overseas high schools or IB schools in which full instruction was done in English may be exempt from proving English language competency. However, we strongly suggest taking the SAT or ACT and submitting scores for evaluation.

All degree-seeking students will be evaluated for merit-based scholarship upon admission to ONU. Awards range from $12,000-18,000 per academic year. Several scholarships and monetary awards are available to international students who have been accepted to the University and meet award criteria.

International students need to plan for the financial costs of studying in another country. Please visit the link below to view a detailed breakdown of expected costs for tuition, fees, housing and meal plan, and other costs to attend Ohio Northern. You will find costs for each of our four undergraduate colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, and Pharmacy. Additional information also is provided on options for housing, meal plans, student insurance and payment. Click here for costs.

The F-1 student visa is issued for full-time study in the U.S. In order to apply for the F-1 visa, prospective students must receive a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, Form I-20. The Designated School Official (DSO) is responsible for all immigration matters related to F-1 students. The DSO will verify whether or not a student has demonstrated the ability to pay the international student tuition and fees by reviewing the Affidavit of Financial Support and financial documents.

The Form I-20 is a U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security document issued by SEVP-certified schools that provides supporting information on a student’s immigration status. Admitted students need this form in order to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, apply for a F1 visa and enter the United States.

International applicants who have received an official letter of acceptance, and have confirmed enrollment by paying their $200 enrollment deposit, are ready to begin the I-20 process.

I-20 Process
You must have an official letter of admission from Ohio Northern University. Once you have been admitted, confirm your enrollment by paying the $200 enrollment deposit.  

Additional Requirements for Obtaining Your I-20: Submit the following items to the International Admissions Office.

1. Affidavit of Financial Support
2. Bank statement/letter dated within 6 months of I-20 request date 
3. Scan or copy of passport picture page, include those of any authorized dependents (if applicable)

Join the nearly 20 students who attend Ohio Northern each academic year from our exchange partner schools.

Apply to ONU by April 15 for the fall semester and by Nov. 13 for the spring semester. Submit the required documentation to the International Admissions office at int-adm@onu.edu.

• Official college transcript
• Letter from your International Exchange Office endorsing your studies at Ohio Northern University
• Evidence of English proficiency at a level that will allow you to succeed
  • Minimum score of 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with no sub score below 5.5

Students who do not meet the stated scores may qualify for the International Scholar Transition Program.

In order to obtain the Form DS-2019, the following documents are required.

• Affidavit of Financial Support completed and signed
• Proof of financial support for duration of studies (minimum $12,000 per semester). This can be in the form of a savings account, CD statement, etc.
• Passport information page copy
• Personal data information form

Start your application

International students whose native language is not English need to submit evidence of English language proficiency that is sufficient for successful university studies. For admission to ONU, including admission through the English Language Pathway program, evidence of proficiency is satisfied by one of the following:

The scores listed above apply to degree-seeking students and exchange students.

The costs below are subject to change and are provided as estimates. Learn more.

Freshman Housing and Meal Plan (learn more about housing options):

• Freshman Room and 19-Meal Plan (Founders, Park, Maglott Double Room) is $12,900/year.
• Freshman Room and 19-Meal Plan (Founders, Park, Maglott Single Room) is $16,150/year.

Additional Living Options:

• Lima, Roberts, Brookhart Double Suite is $7,400 and requires the Carte Blanche, 19-meal or 12-meal plan.
• Lima, Roberts, Brookhart Single Suite is $11,100 and requires the Carte Blanche, 19-meal or 12-meal plan.
• Affinity (two residents) is $6,700 and requires the Carte Blanche, 19-meal or 12-meal plan.
• Affinity (single room) is $10,050 and requires the Carte Blanche, 19-meal or 12-meal plan.
• Affinity (two residents, Sorority Greek) is $6,700 and students may carry the Carte Blanche, 19-meal or 12-meal plan or the 8-meal Affinity plan.
• Campus Apartments is $10,000 and students are not required to carry a meal plan. Apartment costs include $400 dining dollars per semester.
• Learn more about meal plans.

Health Insurance:

• ONU Health Insurance is required for all Exchange Students. $750/semester or $1,500/academic year (estimated cost).  

General Student Fee:

• $525/semester or $1,050/year

International Student Services Fee:

• Annual fee of $275/student for support services for all international students.

Textbooks:

• Budget up to $1,200 per semester.

Additional Laboratory Fees:

• Some courses may have a lab or usage fee attached to the course. Exchange students are responsible for paying this fee if such a course is taken.

All exchange students holding J-1 visas are required to purchase ONU Student Health Insurance, which is billed automatically upon registration. The cost of insurance for the year will be in the “other costs” section on the Form DS-2019.

The J-1 student visa is issued for students participating in an exchange visitor program in the United States. In order to apply for the J-1 visa, prospective students must receive a “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status,” Form DS-2019. The Responsible Office (RO) will verify whether or not a student has demonstrated the ability to pay the international student tuition and fees by reviewing the Affidavit of Financial Support and financial documents. Once verified, the Form DS-2019 will be issued and sent directly to the admitted student.  

If you have questions, please contact the Office of International Admissions at int-adm@onu.edu or 419-772-2483.

Here are your next steps once you have been admitted and made your deposit to Ohio Northern University.

Becoming a part of the ONU community starts by accessing ONU’s Self-Service Banner system. This online system enables ONU students to check email, pay bills, apply for housing, view course schedules and more. Your ONU username and password will be sent to you directly by the Office of International Admissions.

Before you leave home, make sure you have talked with your parents and/or sponsoring agency and have determined how your tuition, housing and other fees will be paid each semester.

Current tuition and fees are detailed here. Tuition, housing, meal plans and other ONU costs are paid in the Office of the Controller located on the first floor of Lehr Memorial Hall or online.

Students are billed separately for each semester they are enrolled at ONU. After registering for classes each semester, students will be issued an electronic bill. Balances are due August 1st for the Fall Semester and January 1st for the Spring Semester.  A $50 late fee is added to accounts that are not paid in full. Interest also is added for each month that the account is not paid in full or up to date on a payment plan.

International students may choose to pay using TransferMate through the EBILL page or pay by wire transfer.

To make a TransferMate international payment in your own currency, log on to your EBILL account, click on the TransferMate link located within Announcements on the side of the screen and follow the instructions provided. Competitive foreign exchange rates apply, along with a flat $20 transfer fee.

If paying by wire transfer and to ensure that funds are applied to the correct student account, we ask that you email the bursar's office to request details about completing the transfer. 

Ohio Northern University’s (ONU) bank information:
Bank: US Bank
ONU Routing #: 042000013
ONU Account #: 130113308279
Address: Ohio Northern University, 525 South Main Street, Ada, OH 45810

Ohio Northern University’s residence life program aims to foster a dynamic living-learning environment. Living on-campus is a way of life at ONU, and we are committed to providing a quality housing experience. Ninety percent of our on-campus housing facilities have been newly built or fully renovated since 2000, and 30% of our housing features earth-friendly, geothermal technology. Full descriptions of our first-year housing areas can be found here.

All incoming Ohio Northern University international students are subject to the residency requirements in place for all ONU students. All ONU students are required to live on campus for three years unless they meet one of the following criteria and are approved to live off-campus:

• The student is 23 years old.
• The student is commuting from the permanent residence of a parent, grandparent or sibling within a 30-mile drive to campus.
• The student has earned an undergraduate degree.
• The student is married and residing with their spouse.
• The student will be arriving to the United States with an F-2 dependent.
• The student has lived on campus at Ohio Northern University for three years.

From experience, the University has found that students who live on campus tend to be more successful academically, be more involved in ONU’s culture and develop more friendships than students who live off campus. It is highly encouraged for incoming international students to live on campus.
 

Ohio Northern University offers an airport shuttle service from the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) for all new international students. Additional information about transportation to campus at other times during the year will be provided upon admission. ONU is located about a two-hour drive from three airports – Dayton (DAY), Columbus (CMH) and Detroit (DTW).

The transition to living in a new country can be stressful. The wellness of all of our students is important to ONU. An on-campus health center and counseling center are available for students to access. In order to better meet the needs of our students, incoming students must submit a Medical History and Immunization Record. This information will be requested after admission.