International Residential FAQs | Waldorf University

Waldorf is located in Forest City, Iowa, in the north central part of the United States, known as the upper Midwest. This region has a reputation for being especially friendly, quiet, spacious and safe. The crime rate in Iowa is among the lowest in the United States, and the cost of living in the Midwest is lower than larger cities and coastal regions.

Iowa is known for its high educational standards, small-town family values and its agriculture. The area surrounding Forest City is mainly farmland with small towns dotting the landscape approximately every 20 kilometers. There are four distinct seasons in Iowa. Summer is warm and quite humid; winter has temperatures frequently below freezing and snow; spring and fall are very pleasant and mild.
Forest City has a population of approximately 4,500 people. The city is the headquarters of Winnebago Industries, a major manufacturer of recreational vehicles that employs nearly 3,000 people. The city is located midway between Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. (population of 3 million) and Iowa's capitol, Des Moines (population of 400,000).
Waldorf has approximately 625 residential undergraduate students representing almost every state of the U.S. and more than two dozen countries.
Waldorf University offers many residential programs for students. Students that are interested in studying in the US are reminded that they are only allowed to pursue degrees on campus.
When the studying is done, there are plenty of opportunities on campus for students to get involved. Numerous campus groups host events and activities, and we're always bringing in musicians, comedians, hypnotists and other exciting entertainers. In addition to on campus fun, we make frequent trips to Minneapolis and Des Moines for shopping, professional sporting events, zoo trips and much more!

There is even a club for international student to gather with domestic students and share their culture. Check out the World Student Association Instagram page to look at past events!
View Waldorf's residential tuition rates.
Every international student at Waldorf receives some form of financial aid. This financial aid is in the form of scholarships (funds that do not have to be repaid to the university) and are generally based on academic merit and financial need. Talent-based scholarships are determined by the coach or director. Please visit with your Admissions Counselor for more scholarship information.

To apply for financial aid, students must apply to Waldorf and be accepted for enrollment.
Yes, Waldorf is fully accredited by theHigher Learning Commission and by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
Waldorf requires all international students to take a standardized test. Qualifying tests include: ACT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE. The test requirements may be waived if the student’s transcripts show that the main language of instruction in high school and/or college was English.
Waldorf accepts transfer credit from most other accredited colleges and universities around the world. Transfer credit accepted by Waldorf is through the discretion of our registrar. To transfer credits from U.S. institutions, please submit an official transcript to the University registrar. Waldorf University does not perform internal translations/evaluations of international transcripts for individuals. All students are required to submit international, academic transcripts to InCRED Transcript Evaluation Services for evaluation. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange and pay for the evaluation through InCRED and have the official evaluation sent directly to Waldorf University. Waldorf does require the official international transcript and the official copy of the evaluation.
You must pay $350 to the Student/Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at least three business days before your visa interview. There are currently three options available to make the payment:
- Credit or Debit Card (Online)
- Check or Money Order (Mail)
- Western Union Quick Pay
Please see the SEVIS website for further details.
Pay your SEVIS fee at least three days prior to attending a visa interview. If your payment has not gone through, you will most likely be denied an interview. You may schedule your interview online through the U.S. Embassy.
- Select your country of residence
- Select ‘Visa Information’
- Select ‘Non-Immigrant Visas’
- Select ‘Schedule Visa Interview’
For further information on applying for a visa visit the travel.state.gov website on student visas.
You should make your flight arrangements to the Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW). Waldorf University offers a shuttle to and from the airport on selected days and times. Please be sure to make your travel arrangements to coincide with the dates of the shuttle services. To arrange to take the shuttle please submit a Ride Request with Waldorf Transportation.
Yes, you may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the report date on your I-20.
You are expected to arrive no later than the report date on your I-20. Exceptions may only be made in extenuating circumstances. You must seek approval from Waldorf before booking travel for a date after the required check-in.
You need to bring your most recent I-20 with a current travel signature, a valid passport, and valid visa (a visa is not required for Canadian students). It is also advisable that you carry your SEVIS fee receipt, your current financial documentation issued within the last three months, and proof of enrollment (such as your admission letter or unofficial transcripts).
Review the on-campus housing options before making your selection. Once you've decided on your preferences, you'll need to fill out the on-campus housing form (PDF). This form is completed with your tuition and housing deposit form.
Housing assignment letters are sent to students before arrival. These assignment letters provide students with their housing assignment and roommate contact information.
Campus housing is available for all full-time students. Students coming directly from overseas are required to live on campus the first semester. Students who have been in the U.S. for one semester or more are required to live in university housing and have a board plan unless they meet at least one of the following exceptions.
On request, Waldorf will lend you a bedding package for your use during your first few nights in Forest City. A shopping trip to Mason City is always on the agenda for international student orientation where you will have a chance to purchase your own bedding items.

Please visit the Residence Life section of our website for further information about housing topics.
International student orientation is required of all international students that are new to Waldorf.
Health insurance is required of all students. It is only possible to waive Waldorf's health insurance plan, if you can provide proof of other medical insurance. Please visit the student insurance page for further information on the school insurance plan and requirements.
Once you have been accepted the registrar will work together with your academic advisor to create your first semester class schedule. This schedule will be emailed to you for review. You can respond to the email to set up a time to discuss any changes.
View Waldorf's tuition and payment information.
You will need to pay off your remaining balance prior to registering for classes for the upcoming semester.