International Christian University
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 61.8%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (20,117 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:16
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 78.0%
- Retention Rate
- 76.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $6,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $10,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
The ICU campus feels remarkably unlike urban Tokyo, with walking paths winding through woods that change dramatically across seasons. Cherry blossom viewing in spring and autumn colors draw visitors from throughout the metropolitan area. Student housing accommodates about a third of undergraduates in dormitories designed to mix Japanese and international students as roommates. This intentional integration accelerates language learning and cultural exchange. The dining hall serves as a primary gathering space where students practice switching between languages over meals. Club activities range from traditional Japanese arts like tea ceremony and calligraphy to Western sports and academic societies. The student body includes significant numbers from Korean, Chinese, and Southeast Asian backgrounds along with smaller cohorts from around the world. Weekend activities might include trips to central Tokyo's cultural attractions, hiking in nearby mountains, or exploring traditional temple towns. The campus chapel holds services reflecting the university's Christian heritage, though religious participation remains voluntary. Many students describe finding close friends across national and cultural lines, forming relationships that persist long after graduation.
Location & Surroundings
Mitaka city sits in Tokyo's western suburbs, combining residential character with easy access to central Tokyo via the JR Chuo Line. The train ride to Shinjuku takes about 20 minutes, connecting students to one of the world's busiest commercial districts. Kichijoji, the trendy neighborhood adjacent to Mitaka, offers shopping, restaurants, and entertainment within walking distance. Inokashira Park provides green space, boat rentals, and the popular Ghibli Museum celebrating Japan's animation tradition. Housing costs in western Tokyo run lower than central locations while maintaining excellent transit connections. The area attracts young families and professionals seeking somewhat quieter neighborhoods without sacrificing urban convenience. Other universities cluster in the western suburbs, creating an extended student community across institutions. Seasonal festivals at local shrines and shopping streets give international students exposure to traditional neighborhood culture. Mount Takao offers easy hiking less than an hour away, while the Japanese Alps and Fuji Five Lakes region make accessible weekend destinations. Tokyo's international airport connections place students within reach of travel throughout Asia and beyond.
Costs & Career Outcomes
ICU invests significantly in academic support recognizing the challenges of bilingual education. The English for Liberal Arts (ELA) program provides intensive language instruction for Japanese students, while the Japanese Language Programs serve international students needing to build proficiency. Writing centers offer feedback in both languages on academic papers. The library houses extensive collections in Japanese and English with study spaces filling during examination periods. Career services navigates the distinctive Japanese job hunting process, which follows rigid annual timelines unlike Western recruitment. Many graduates enter Japanese corporations while others pursue opportunities with foreign companies, international organizations, or graduate schools abroad. Counseling services address both academic struggles and personal concerns, with some counselors trained to work across cultural contexts. Financial aid includes tuition scholarships and dormitory subsidies for students demonstrating need. The Office of International Affairs manages exchange agreements and assists outbound students with program selection and practical preparation. Alumni networks span multiple continents, with graduates maintaining connections that benefit current students seeking internships or employment leads.
Campus Location
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