For most students, the first barrier to earning a degree is the financial commitment. The programs and learning formats that work best for you may not match your budget. If you find an affordable program, you might be wondering, is this the same high-quality education as a more expensive degree? Will employers see a degree from this institution as legitimate?

Developing top-notch education options at a low cost requires innovation and creative approaches. Good thing we’re experts.

Innovation is in our DNA. In 1985, Indiana Wesleyan University pioneered a brand new way of learning that helped working adult students earn their degrees. This non-traditional education eventually included online learning, and several colleges would later follow our lead.

This same spirit drives our approach to create low-cost education.

“Since affordability is a key aspect of our strategic plan, it will continue to be a priority for our institution,” Matt Lucas, chancellor of IWU–National & Global, said. “We know that every dollar we can save our students decreases their debt, lessens their accumulated interest, and shortens repayment time.”

So, how have we innovated in education to make college more affordable?

1. A tuition guarantee. Our tuition guarantee has been around as long as our adult programs. Once you start your program, your tuition won’t go up. This means our student body has collectively saved millions on tuition.
2. Non-profit status. As a non-profit institution, we’re focused on putting students first, not shareholder value. Your access to higher education, academic success, and personal transformation are our top priorities.
3. Resources that save students money. Through discounts, scholarships, free resources, and military preferred tuition, earning a degree is within reach at IWU.

• robust pastoral, employer, and alumni tuition discounts
• a special degree program for military personnel, veterans and their families, which allows them to maximize their tuition assistance funds
• open educational resources (OERs), which are free resources that eliminate the need to purchase textbooks in select academic programs

We are continually working to make education accessible for every student, but that doesn’t mean the academic experience has to suffer. Our students get the best of both worlds: academic rigor and affordability. In fact, our innovative mindset is driven by credentialed faculty who bring professional experience to the classroom and give students insights from the field, from business to ministry programs.

IWU’s School of Service and Leadership offers access to pastoral training for students who cannot earn a degree the traditional way. We make it possible through online and distance learning, faculty with relevant real-world experience, and practical assignments that will prepare students for ministry opportunities.

IWU’s undergraduate degrees in theology and ministry are designed to give students the foundational knowledge to follow their calling and make a ministry out of their vocation.

• Associate of Science in Christian Ministries. Gain competency for an entry-level ministry position or prepare to continue to bachelor-level studies.
• Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies. Prepare to serve in more advanced ministry positions. This program meets many requirements for licensing and/or ordination in many denominations.
• Associate/Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry Leadership. Develop the skills you need to launch new ministries, engage communities, and develop effective disciple-makers.

What’s your vision for your ministry? We’ll help you build a strong foundation and prepare for opportunities in your unique context. Get an affordable education fully online or at select education centers in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Explore all programs from the School of Service and Leadership, including social work, psychology, criminal justice, addictions counseling, leadership, public administration, and more at IWUserve.com.

You know why education is in your future. See how to make it a reality at IWUisHow.com.