Recommended · Jonesboro, AR
English Learning Academy
University-embedded intensive English program at Arkansas State University offering three tracks from ESL-only study to graduate pathway admission.
About
Tucked inside Arkansas State University's Jonesboro campus, the English Learning Academy (ELA) is the kind of intensive English program that trades big-city glamour for the steady rhythm of a Delta college town. It is designed less as a language school in the boutique sense and more as an on-ramp into American higher education, with three cleanly delineated pathways: ESL-only for students who simply want to strengthen their English, an ESL + Undergraduate track for high school graduates aiming at a US bachelor's degree, and an ESL + Graduate route for degree-holders preparing for a master's or doctorate. The mission, in the university's own workmanlike phrasing, is to build the English skills necessary for academic and social success.
The experience is unmistakably that of a public regional university IEP. Tuition for a full 12-hour semester runs $4,400, with a $200 ESL lab fee bundled into term charges and an estimated all-in annual cost of around $23,144 including housing, meals, and health insurance. Beyond that, the public-facing page keeps its cards close: class sizes, session calendars, staff bios, and social channels are not spotlighted, and prospective students are steered toward the university's ESL application to learn more. Accreditation is via the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), a credential inherited from the ELA's inclusion in the CEA directory.
Who it suits: F-1 candidates who want the security of a Carnegie-classified state university behind their language study, a modest-cost tuition profile, and a clear pipeline into A-State's undergraduate or graduate programs once their English is where it needs to be. Students who want a marketing-heavy, urban language-school experience should look elsewhere.
Programs offered
- ESL-only (no degree)
- ESL + Undergraduate pathway
- ESL + Graduate pathway
Languages & delivery
Languages taught
- English
Delivery
- 👥 F-1 international students seeking an affordable public-university IEP with a clear pathway into undergraduate or graduate study at Arkansas State University
Accreditations & certifications
- ✓ CEA (Commission on English Language Program Accreditation)
Pricing
$4,400 per full semester (12 hours) tuition; ~$23,144 estimated total annual cost including room, board, and health insurance
What stands out
- Embedded within Arkansas State University, a public research institution
- Three distinct pathway tracks (ESL-only, undergraduate, graduate)
- Conditional admission pipeline into A-State degree programs
- Transparent published tuition and fee structure
- Low-cost-of-living Delta region location keeps overall expenses down
- $200 dedicated ESL lab fee funds language-lab access
- CEA-accredited program
Recent Google reviews
The Learning Center has been and will continue to be a part of my family’s journey for years to come. I don’t know where to begin to thank the entire staff for the tireless hours they have poured into my two grandsons. Not only do the boys benefit exponentially from their experience there but our whole family as well. The center provides crucial therapies in each area of need whether it’s, physical, occupational, speech or much needed ABA therapy. Moreover, every individual that comes into contact with my boys, and us, provide emotional support that can not be measured, only deeply and sincerely appreciated. I highly recommend the Learning Center and their Academy for anyone needing support for their family and the challenges of non typically developing children.
I have had a great experience with The Learning Center. I would recommend The Learning Center for all of your children therapy needs and education. The staff is amazing from the front desk workers to the classroom teachers. Due to some past experiences with other places, I needed a place that I could trust to help my child. I have seen great results and my child loves going to school here.
I daughter loves it here! Her teachers and therapists are amazing. She's shown so much approvement. I would definitely recommend TLC.
I’ll always recommend this school for any child my babies love this school! They are very patient with children and for sure teach your child a lot of things you didn’t think would be accomplished without the proper teachings, but they’ve definitely hit great milestones with my babies!!! My autistic son talks now and communication was his biggest problem I’m very grateful for those ladies!!!
Based on 69 Google reviews · average 4.8
Location
📍 Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401