Frequently Asked Questions

What are the IEP Admission Requirements?
Students must have a high school diploma or be at least 16 years old.

What is the tuition for the full-time program?
The cost of the Fall and Spring semester is $2,470 per semester plus fees. The cost of the Summer session is $1320 plus fees. Books are extra, approximately $200 per semester.

Do I have to pay the whole tuition bill immediately or can I pay my tuition bill in installments?
St. John's has a payment plan that allows you to spread your payments over several months. You may pay one-half of your bill when you register, one-fourth of your bill approximately one month after school begins, and the last one-fourth of your bill one month later. There is an additional $100 charge for choosing the payment plan.

How long is a semester?
The Fall and Spring semesters are 14 weeks. The Summer session is 5 weeks.

How many hours of class are there a day?
In the Fall and Spring semester there are three to four hours of class per day, five days a week. In the Summer session there are five hours of class per day, four days a week.

How many hours of class are there a week?
There are 18 hours of class per week in the Fall and Spring semesters.

Are there evening classes?
The full-time program has day-time classes only. (Evening hours are available for private ESL classes.)

Can I choose my own schedule?
No. Classes run from 8 a.m. - 1:15 p.m., 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., 12 - 3 p.m., or from 3:15 - 5:15 p.m. depending on the level. Classes are everyday Monday through Friday in the Fall and Spring semesters and in the Summer semester, classes are Monday through Thursday.

What is the class size?
The average class size is 12 to 15 students.

What qualifications do the teachers have?
All of the IEP teachers have Master's degrees and years of experience teaching ESL.

What countries do the students come from?
The students are from all over the world: Europe, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Africa, etc.

How many levels do you have?
There are four levels: beginner, low intermediate, high intermediate, and advanced.

How are students placed?
Before students can register, they must take the IEP Placement Test. After students have applied, they must call the IEP office at (718) 990-6845 to register for the test.

Can I study part-time?
Yes. The IEP offers part-time day classes and private ESL classes. Please call (718) 990-6845 for further information.

Can I choose a particular skill?
You can choose a particular skill (listening/speaking, reading, and writing) as a part-time day IEP/ESL class.

Do you have a course for TOEFL Preparation only?
The advanced level uses TOEFL preparation material as part of the curriculum. However, we do not have a class that focuses exclusively on TOEFL preparation. We offer TOEFL preparation in private ESL classes.

Is there a registration deadline?
Students should register as early as possible to reserve a seat. However, we do accept late registration if there are seats available. Private ESL students can register at any time.

How do I apply?
You can print the application form for the full-time program only on this Web site, fill it out, and send it with the application fee. You can call us at (718) 990-6845 if you would like to receive one in the mail. Applications for part-time and private classes, please call us.

Can I get a student visa? Do you issue I-20s?
Yes. The Office of International Student Services processes I-20s. Contact that office for information at (718) 990-6083 or via e-mail: iss@stjohns.edu.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes. A certificate is given provided the student has met academic and attendance requirements.

Is student housing available?
Yes. There are residence halls, with greater availability for the Summer session.

Do you offer scholarships?
No. However, religious workers receive a 50% discount.

Is a TOEFL score required?
No. Students will be given an IEP placement test.

Can I apply to St. John's University for a degree after completing the IEP ?
Yes. Many students apply to St. John's while they are in the IEP. If they are accepted academically to a degree program, no TOEFL is required.

May I take credit courses at the same time as I am taking the IEP?
IEP students who have been accepted by St. John's University in a degree program may be allowed to take one three-credit course when they are in Level 4 if they arrange it with their academic advisor.