Avila University is a small private Catholic university in Kansas City, Missouri, founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. It is best known for business, nursing, psychology, computer science and organisational development, with very small classes and personal support. Choose it for a close-knit private degree in an affordable Midwestern city.
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Official website: avila.edu
1916 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
Higher Learning Commission
Student-to-faculty ratio around 11:1
$16,000 – $32,000
International students, master's (lower) and undergraduate (higher) before scholarships
$11,000 – $14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on avila.edu before you apply.
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
MS Organizational Development
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
BS Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Very small classes with close faculty support.
Nursing — clinical placements with Kansas City hospitals.
Catholic heritage and a service-focused community.
Kansas City location with low living costs.
Graduates join Cerner (Oracle Health), Garmin, Hallmark and Kansas City's hospitals and firms.
Nursing graduates enter hospital systems across the Kansas City region.
Business and organisational development alumni move into management roles.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The compact campus sits in south Kansas City with residence halls, the library and teaching buildings close together on a green site.
Kansas City is known for barbecue, jazz and sport, with very low rent and a growing technology sector. Downtown is about 20 minutes away.
Form I-20 issued by Avila
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Avila reviews applications on a rolling basis. International applicants should apply by 1 June 2027 for fall and by 1 November 2026 for spring to leave time for the I-20 and visa.
Undergraduates can start in fall (August) or spring (January), though nursing admits mainly in the fall. The MBA and organizational development master's admit for both fall and spring.
You need an F-1 student visa. Avila's international admissions office issues your Form I-20 after you accept the offer and submit proof of funding. Then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and book an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
The MBA, organizational development, computer science and nursing attract the most international applicants. Graduate admission needs a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 2.75-3.0 and TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.0; the GMAT is not required.
Yes. International undergraduates are automatically considered for merit scholarships, and student athletes can receive athletic awards. Check Avila's financial aid pages for current amounts.
