Welcome to Arkansas State University!

ESL / ELA Program

Welcome to the English Learning Academy (ELA) at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro!

Our center will give you the English language skills necessary for academic and social success. You will quickly master English through expert classroom instruction and through exciting programs and activities offered by ELA.

As an ELA student, you will have free and unlimited access to all University services and facilities with your paid enrollment. This includes recreational facilities, student health facilities, the library, e-mail, computer access, student organizations and clubs, and more!

Additionally, as an ELA student, you will not need to submit any test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS to start our academic programs at A-State when you successfully complete our ESL program!

Our Mission

It is the vision of the English Learning Academy (ELA) that all students completing the program will be linguistically, culturally and academically prepared to succeed in university courses taught in English. To achieve this vision, the program seeks to develop students’ linguistic competency, cultural awareness and critical thinking skills to enable them to experience academic success and to have positive intercultural experiences when enrolled in university-level courses.


Accredited by CEA

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The English Learning Academy is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period December 2017 through December 2027 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S. For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org.

CEA Standards


Information about Filing a Complaint


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Life at ELA

Tice Students

At ELA, we make sure to provide plenty of opportunity for our students to form friendships and experience a variety of group activities.