Earn Your Degree In Three Years
IWU's three-year degree options enable some students to earn a high-quality education in less time, and for a lower cost. By earning your undergraduate degree in three years, instead of four years, you will pay less tuition over the course of your education, and you will be able to begin earning income in your career earlier, too.
IWU's three-year option is the same quality education as our four-year college plan. You will enjoy all the benefits of an exceptional education within a Christ-centered academic community: more than 80 professional majors; an outstanding, committed Christian faculty; smaller, more personalized classes; and impressive, state-of-the-art facilities. Plus, you will engage in an education focused on your unique purpose and calling in life, as we help you to develop personally and professionally through life coaching, career development, leadership studies, student engagement, and more.
It is important to understand that graduating early from IWU is not a guarantee, as there are several variables – such as course availability and sequencing – that could impact a student’s ability to complete all requirements within a three-year period.
Strategies to Consider
We offer strategies that provide you the flexibility to potentially graduate early and reduce the costs associated with attending IWU.
Exceed Full-time Registration*
Or you may decide to remain on the typical four-year plan and create flexibility in your academic schedule that allows you to broaden your involvement and experience while attending IWU. (Earn a second academic major, participate in a study abroad program, get involved in student leadership opportunities, or secure an internship.)
Earn Prior College Credits
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Credit
Many high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses to students. Such classes are an excellent way to begin earning college credits early. These classes are considered to be equivalent to university freshman-level courses and appropriate credit will be given for grades of 3 or above. Some high schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and programs. Credit may be awarded for successful completion of some courses through the International Baccalaureate programs. Scores of 5 or higher are required for such credit to be accepted. Credit may only be awarded with official scores and an IWU individual assessment.
Dual Enrollment Credit and Transferring College Credit
Students who have attended IWU as a dual credit student will have their credits applied toward their degree. Students who have attended other accredited colleges or universities may often transfer credit toward their IWU education. Transcripts of all other university work must be submitted directly to Indiana Wesleyan University from the office of the registrar at the college or university attended. All students must complete their last 30 credit hours at IWU to earn their degree. Credit is granted for work with a satisfactory grade ("C" or above) taken at an approved college or university accredited at the same level as IWU, provided the courses are applicable to the curriculum the student wishes to pursue at IWU. An "approved college or university" generally refers to those institutions that are accredited by a regional accrediting body or the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
Attend May & Summer Sessions
Continuing your education at IWU beyond just the fall and spring semesters can help propel you toward graduation, too. We offer classes in multiple sessions during May and the summer months to accommodate your scheduling needs.
May term is three weeks long and courses are offered at discounted rates. Most May courses are three credits but a maximum of four credits may be earned. Two to four credits in May is considered full time. Summer sessions 1 and 2 are each five weeks long. Four semester hours of credit is considered full time. Maximum enrollment is six credit hours per each session.
Summer term extends from May to the first of August. Four semester hours is considered full time. Maximum enrollment is six credit hours.
Some summer courses are offered through an online format, which provides the freedom to continue your IWU education from home during the summer.
Exceeding Normal Full-Time Registration
*A student is classified as full time when enrolled for 12-17 credit hours in a semester. Students may complete the 124 semester credit hours required for a baccalaureate degree with four semesters of 15 credits and four semesters of 16 credits.
Students who wish to register for more than 17 credit hours must meet the following criteria:
- To enroll for 18 credit hours the student must have a 3.0 GPA
- To enroll for 19 credit hours the student must have a 3.5 GPA
Build Your Own Plan
Now that you've seen the scenarios we've created, you might have a few ideas of your own. There are many combinations you can use to help leverage your time on campus. One additional option is to take CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) exams to earn some college credits. These credits you have to pay for, but they are less expensive than typical college course prices. In moderation, CLEP is a good way to demonstrate your mastery of subject material and pick up some elective credit. Please do not take CLEP exams without the recommendation of your academic adviser.
*Cost savings are based on 2018-2019 cost and fees for standard academic year tuition, room and board, and other associated costs. The figures do not reflect adjustments made once financial aid is awarded.
