WHO SHOULD CONSIDER THIS PROGRAM?

The IEP is for students who have basic English skills, but need more English instruction and improvement to be successful in a U.S. higher education setting. We do not offer a program for students who have no English experience.

Highlights of being an IEP student are that:

• You will improve your English language skills.
• You will receive academic and personal support to ensure a smooth transition to your degree-seeking plan and goals.
• You will study alongside students from around the world who are improving their English language skills.
• Once you successfully complete the IEP experience, you can transition directly into your degree-seeking academic courses.
• Many students complete the Intensive English program in 1-2 semesters (one full academic year). You will be placed in the appropriate IEP level during new student orientation based on an English placement exam.

As an undergraduate student, the IEP is right for you if you fall into the following categories:

• TOEFL (IBT) score of less than 72
• IELTS Academic score of less than 6.0
• Duo Lingo score of less than 100
• ACT English/Reading scores of less than 20
• SAT evidence-based reading and writing score of less than 520
• No test score, but some experience with English in school or life setting
• View the additional English proficiency requirements or waivers.

As graduate students, the English proficiency scores and requirements vary by program. Please work directly with your program. To learn more, visit the Graduate School’s website.

Students that meet or exceed the English requirements listed above may apply directly to CSU. To get started, please visit this webpage.

ABOUT THE IEP PROGRAM

The IEP program is an intensive, immersive language experience that is either one, two, or three-semesters long, based on the needs of each individual student. When students start the program, they will receive personalized testing and feedback that places them in the right level of English instruction. The faculty are highly experienced and have earned advanced degrees in teaching English as an additional language. IEP courses are not CSU credit-bearing courses but rather are specifically designed for IEP students before advancing into CSU or another university. Classes are scheduled every day throughout the semester and are designed to focus on the important skills needed to be a successful university student:

• Reading and Writing
• Speaking and Listening
• Grammar
• Academic study skills

Special programs and fun events are organized throughout each semester to help IEP students connect with other students, the CSU campus and community, and enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountains. You will love this PLACE!

Semester-Long Program Info

Semester-long IEP sessions are structured by level (1, 2, or 3) and scheduled on semester basis following the CSU academic calendar.  Students can start their IEP program at any semester. The upcoming session dates are:

Estimated IEP Costs

The IEP is very affordable and the application is free and easy. Here is a breakdown of costs per year:

PLACE Estimated Costs: Fall/Spring

PLACE Estimated Costs: Summer

* This includes all tuition and fees for fully enrolled IEP students.
** Refer to this page for a more detailed breakdown of costs.

How to apply

The application for our Intensive English Program is free and easy. To get started, please follow these steps:

1. Create your application using the ‘Apply Now‘ button below
2. On the application page, click “Create an account” under the section titled First-time users
3. Enter your information, including email address, name, and birthdate. You’ll then be asked to create a password.
4. Once your account is activated, select Start New Application. Select the term (date) you wish to apply for and select the Non-Degree option (example: Fall 2023 Non-Degree). Do not select any other options. Once you have selected the Non-Degree option, you can begin your application and choose your entry term:
   1. Intensive English – 1st Session (begins in August for the Fall term and January for the Spring term)
   2. Intensive English – 2nd Session (begins in October for the Fall term, March for the Spring term)
5. Complete each section and submit your application!

Applications are processed on a rolling basis, as they are received. If you have any questions about your application or need help with getting started, please contact PLACEadmissions@colostate.edu.

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Mid-Semester Foundational Programs

Our mid-semester foundational programs are designed to help students get acclimated to the Intensive English Program while also learning more about U.S. culture, Colorado State University, and the classroom setting in general. These 8-week programs often start during the middle of the CSU academic semester and will help prepare students to advance to the full IEP program.

Contact the PLACE admissions team for more information about upcoming foundational programs.

Request More Information

Sponsored Students

We work with many government and private sponsors worldwide to provide English language to small and large student cohorts. We always work with our sponsors to make sure that students are meeting credit hour requirements, progressing within our coursework, and maintaining their standing at CSU. If you work with a sponsoring organization and would like to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact us at PLACEadmissions@colostate.edu.

Learn about the program from past participants