Frequently Asked Questions: Churches & Non-Profits
The following FAQs related to the Bridge Initiative for churches and non-profit partnerships.
General
+ Is Indiana Wesleyan accredited?
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. More Information >>
Enrollment
+ What are the admission requirements for an associate and bachelor’s student?
Student entering a degree must attest to having a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Students with prior academic experience should submit official transcripts at this time. Students entering a bachelor’s degree must (a) attest to having earned a high school diploma or GED equivalent and (b) transcripts from all previous regionally accredited colleges or universities, institutions accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher education, or recognized nationally accredited institutions. Options are available to earn credit through an evaluation of prior experience. IWU is homeschooler friendly and will work with parents and students to document completion of the high school requirement.
+ Am I required to submit a high school transcript?
IWU no longer requires a high school transcript, but students must fill out a high school graduate self-certification form stating they have completed high school or a GED.
+ Am I required to submit prior college transcripts?
Yes, a copy of transcripts from any previous college experience should be submitted to IWU. Doing so will allow the university to transfer as much credit as possible.
+ Am I required to submit official transcripts?
Yes, all transcripts must be official copies, either print or digital. Print transcripts generally deliver via a sealed and embossed enveloped. Digitial transcripts use new technology to demonstrate authenticity. Official transcripts may be sent directly from the learning institution to IWU at e-transcripts@indwes.edu
+ What is the anticipated timeline for admission into the university?
Student admission will depend initially on the student submitting the proper documentation. Upon receipt of all documentation, the student file will be review for admission, prior academic credits will be evaluated and added to the transcript, and the student will be admitted to the university. This process generally occurs within seven (7) days of all documents being submitted to the university. Weekends and holidays may lengthen this timeline.
+ When can I start courses?
IWU offers the Bridge Initiative through a four-term structure. This allows us to start students approximately every 6 weeks.
Academics
+ What degree programs are available through the Bridge Initiative?
The Bridge Initiative provides students access to all associate and bachelor degree programs offered online through IWU, with the exception of nursing and health science degrees.
+ Do I need an associate degree to start a bachelor degree program?
A student entering the Bridge Initiative may initiate a bachelor degree at any point. Prior college experience is not required. Each program, however, has specific admission requirements. For a list of admission requirements, see the university catalog.
+ I earned credit at a prior institution. Will those credit transfer into IWU?
IWU has flexible transfer policies to support students who have prior academic experience. For a list of transfer policies, see the university catalog.
+ Will credits earned from IWU transfer to another college?
IWU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of the six regional accreditors in the U.S. This accreditor is the same as Purdue University or other major universities in the Midwest. Given this accreditation, many institutions will award credit for prior work earned at IWU. Each institution, however, reserves the right to decide if credits will be accepted into a degree program. Students interested in pursing this option should consult with the other institution.
+ When will I receive credit for prior college coursework?
During the admission process, the student will submit all required documentation, including transcripts from prior college experience. Upon receipt, the Student Services Office will evaluate all coursework from prior college experience within the admission timeline outlined above. Delays may occur for students who submit documents close to the start of courses. Transcript evaluation is an important process to determine the best schedule for students, which should account for prior academic coursework; thus, it is important for students to submit the information in a timely manner.
Financial
+ How many credits can I earn?
IWU offers a predictable annual tuition that reduces surprises for students. For the tuition total at one's church, student may enroll in 24 to 30 credit hours each year.
+ What else does the tuition cover?
The tuition also covers the support services, experiential learning, and community provided through your local church.
+ What does the tuition not cover?
The tuition does not cover the cost of any textbooks, computers, travel, or educational supplies.
+ Can I enroll part-time?
Yes, students may enroll part-time (less than 24 hours per year). In these cases, students will be charged per credit hour. Contact your church or the university for details.
+Are student able to take additional credits beyond the standard? If so, how are these credits charged?
Students may elect to enroll in overload credits above the prescribed limits. In such cases, the student will be charged the standard per credit tuition rate for every additional credit above 30 hours.
Financial Aid
+ Are students enrolled through a church partnership eligible for scholarships listed on the indwes.edu website?
Students enolled through the Bridge Initiative are not eligible for institutional scholarships listed on the website. The program tuition already includes significant discouting.
+ What financial aid options are available?
Students have access to federal aid programs, including but not limited to the Pell Grant (where eligible), student loan, and parent loan programs. Students should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine the eligibility.
+ How can I complete the FAFSA?
Students should complete the FAFSA annually, generally around tax time, by visiting the Federal Depeartment of Education website.
+ What determines the financial aid that student receive?
Upon receipt of the FAFSA, with no outstanding general eligibility issues, and a confirmed admission application, the university will generate a federal student aid eligibility estimate. This estimate will be available within one week of receipt of the FAFSA. The student aid estimate will be based on a cost of attendance amount that includes an average total for tuition, fees, books, a living and transportation expense, and a loan fee. The estimate also evaluates the student’s expected enrollment status. University programs are structured so that a student begin the first term at a full-time or half-time status, and the typical course schedule from this point forward will represent full-time enrollment.
+ When will aid be disbursed to the student account?
Upon financial clearance and subsequent registration, the aid estimate will be finalized by taking into consideration the specific registration, changes to the student’s FAFSA information (if any), and any other aid source information added that may or may not have been available at the time of estimation. Federal student aid will typically be disbursed by the 10th or 11th day of the term if there are no other prohibitive delays.
+ When will excess aid be refunded to the student, if applicable?
Aid that exceeds current charges for the term will be sent to the student within 14 days of the date of disbursement, unless the student has authorized Student Account Services to hold these funds to apply to future charges within the academic year.
Financial Clearance
+ What is financial clearance?
Financial clearance is the process whereby the student submits documentation that will be required in the financial aid process and potentially unlocks federal and state financial aid. Financial clearance documentation will vary by student. It is expected that students will submit all required documentation in advance of the course start. Additional details are provided in future sections.
+ What documents must be submitted to demonstrate financial clearance?
Financial clearance documents will depend on each student. Potential clearance document includes the following: Financial Policy Agreement, Authorization to Retain Funds, FAFSA, Entrance Counseling, Master Promissory Note, and any other documents required by the student’s financial aid review. Students should consult with their student accounts coordinator for details.
+ What is the timeline for submitting documents and receiving financial clearance?
All documents must be submitted to the university no later than 8 days prior to the class start; however, students should complete their financial aid documents much earlier (at least 21 days prior to class start) in order to have sufficient time for processing and to submit additional document requirements. Final clearance, as determined by the university, is due one week prior to class start.
+ What happens to a student who fails to achieve financial clearance by the specific due date?
Students who fail to meet the above deadline will not be permitted to register for courses and start the term. They may delay their start to a later date.
Student Services
+ What is the process for students to receive and pay for textbooks?
Indiana Wesleyan University is active in keeping course materials as affordable as possible for students with many courses utilizing embedded materials at no additional cost rather than acquiring physical books. When textbooks are required for a course, students will have access to the book list well in advance of the course in order to acquire a personal copy. While many students use online vendors for materials (i.e. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.) students are also able to utilize the Tree of Life Bookstore (765) 674-9530 (a Marion, Indiana based IWU business partner) as one of their purchasing service options.
+ What student services are available for church partnership students?
All standard student services will be available to students, including but not limited to the following: advising/registration, library services, tutoring, online chaplain, career development, and prior learning assessment. Academic advising and registration services will be provided by the Student Services team. Library services are provided online. Tutoring is available through SmartThinking, which is an online service that is accessible directly through each Brightspace course. The online chaplain service is provided through SpiritCare team. Career development, including resume reviews and standard resources, are available through the student services office. Last, prior learning assessment is provided through the student services office.