| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
Mount Pleasant, Iowa, United States
A small, historic town in southeastern Iowa
1842
One of the oldest four-year institutions west of the Mississippi River
Private, liberal arts university
Roughly 800–900 students
Small student-to-faculty ratio, offering personalized attention
Iowa Wesleyan offered a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as:
Business Administration
Nursing
Criminal Justice
Education
Human Services
Psychology
Biology
Music
Arts & Humanities
It was known for strong online programs and a focus on service learning and career readiness.
Unfortunately, Iowa Wesleyan University permanently closed after the Spring 2023 semester due to ongoing financial challenges.
Announced in March 2023
Final classes held in May 2023
Students were given transfer pathways to other institutions in Iowa, such as William Penn University and Southeastern Community College
Despite its closure, Iowa Wesleyan holds a significant legacy in Iowa's educational history.
The campus featured historic buildings, including the Hershey Hall and Chadwick Library.
Biology
Nursing (BSN)
Exercise Science
Health and Human Performance
Business Administration
Accounting
Criminal Justice
Sport Management
Music
Art
English
Digital Media Design
Religion and Philosophy
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Special Education
Licensure and endorsement tracks in various subjects
Psychology
Human Services
Sociology
Social Work (pre-professional track)
Iowa Wesleyan offered a limited number of graduate-level programs, including:
Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)
RN to BSN Program (often completed online)
The university had a strong online education component, offering several bachelor’s degrees and certificate programs fully online for working adults, especially in:
Business Administration
Criminal Justice
Human Services
Nursing (RN to BSN)
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Biology |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Nursing (BSN) |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Exercise Science |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Health and Human Performance |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Business Administration |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Accounting |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Criminal Justice |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Sport Management |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Psychology |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Human Services |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Sociology |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Elementary Education |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Secondary Education |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Special Education |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
English |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Digital Media Design |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Art |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Music |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
|
Religion and Philosophy |
4 years |
~$33,000 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) |
2 years |
~$10,800 |
|
RN to BSN (Bachelor Completion, not a Master's)* |
~1–2 years (varied by pace) |
~$11,000 |
Before closing in 2023, Iowa Wesleyan University (IWU) welcomed international students from various countries and offered a supportive, small-campus environment that focused on personalized education, affordability, and community engagement.
International students could enroll in:
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) programs in areas like Business, Biology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education, and Nursing
Some online/hybrid programs, especially in Business and Human Services
Note: IWU did not offer PhD or extensive graduate-level programs.
Completed secondary school diploma or equivalent
Official transcripts (with English translation if necessary)
English proficiency test scores:
TOEFL iBT: Recommended minimum 61
IELTS: Recommended minimum band 6.0
Passport copy
Personal statement and letters of recommendation (optional but encouraged)
Financial documents for visa processing (proof of funding)
F-1 Visa sponsorship (SEVIS-approved institution)
International Student Office provided support with:
Visa documents (I-20)
Orientation programs
Cultural adjustment
Academic advising
Tuition: ~$33,000 USD per year
Room & Board: ~$9,000–$10,000 USD per year
Estimated Total Cost: ~$43,000–$45,000 per year (before scholarships)
Iowa Wesleyan offered merit-based scholarships for international students:
Scholarships ranged from $5,000 to $15,000 per year
Based on academic performance, leadership, and extracurricular achievements
No separate scholarship application was required—students were automatically considered upon admission
Small, close-knit student community
On-campus housing available in dorms and residence halls
Access to student organizations, campus events, and service-learning opportunities
Safe and peaceful town atmosphere in Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Iowa Wesleyan University permanently closed after the Spring 2023 semester
International students were assisted in transferring to partner institutions in the U.S. to complete their studies
Select your intended major from undergraduate options such as:
Business Administration
Biology
Nursing (RN to BSN)
Criminal Justice
Psychology
Education, etc.
Applications were submitted via the Iowa Wesleyan online portal
No application fee was required for most applicants
International applicants needed to provide the following:
High school (secondary school) transcripts
Must be in English or include an official English translation
Proof of graduation or diploma
One of the following was required:
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 61
IELTS: Minimum band 6.0
Duolingo English Test (DET): Often accepted as an alternative
Exemptions may have been granted for students from English-speaking countries or institutions.
Needed for processing the I-20 and issuing the student visa documents
Required to demonstrate your ability to pay tuition and living expenses for at least one academic year (for F-1 visa issuance)
Bank statements
Financial guarantee forms (if sponsored)
Letter of recommendation
Personal statement or essay
Resume or CV (especially for transfer or mature students)
Applications were reviewed on a rolling basis
Most decisions were made within 2–3 weeks
If admitted:
You would receive an official admission letter
The university issued an I-20 Form (required for the F-1 visa)
You’d then pay the enrollment deposit to secure your place
Using the I-20 form, you would:
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Schedule a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate
Attend the interview and obtain your visa
Students were required to attend international orientation upon arrival
The university offered support for airport pickup, housing arrangements, and settling in
Iowa Wesleyan offered multiple intakes throughout the year:
Fall Semester (August start) – Primary intake
Spring Semester (January start)
Summer Semester (May/June start) – Limited courses, often online or accelerated
Applications were accepted on a rolling basis, but early application was encouraged for visa processing and scholarship consideration.
To be eligible for admission, students needed:
Completion of high school / secondary school (equivalent to U.S. 12th grade)
Submission of official transcripts, with English translation if needed
Minimum GPA: Generally 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (may vary by program)
Required if English is not the applicant’s first language:
Accepted Test |
Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT |
61 |
|
IELTS |
6.0 |
|
Duolingo English Test (DET) |
~90–95 |
Students from English-medium schools or English-speaking countries could apply for a waiver.
A valid passport copy was required for I-20 issuance and visa processing.
Must show ability to cover tuition + living expenses for at least one academic year.
Bank statements or sponsorship letters were typically required.
Personal essay or statement of purpose
Letter(s) of recommendation
Resume/CV (especially for mature or transfer students)
Ranking Platform |
Ranking / Rating |
|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Not ranked (too small and specialized for global rankings) |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Ranked in Regional Colleges Midwest – Tier 2 (unranked or low-tier) |
|
Niche.com (Student Reviews) |
Mixed reviews; rated C+ to B- overall |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Award Amount (USD per Year) |
|---|---|---|
|
International Student Scholarship |
All international undergraduate applicants |
$5,000 – $15,000 |
|
President’s Scholarship |
High-achieving students (GPA 3.75+) |
Up to $16,000 |
|
Dean’s Scholarship |
Strong academic performance (GPA 3.0–3.74) |
$12,000 – $14,000 |
|
Achievement Scholarship |
GPA 2.5–2.99 |
$8,000 – $10,000 |
|
Performance Scholarships |
Music, athletics, or art talent (audition/portfolio required) |
(up to $10,000) |
|
Sibling Grant |
Two or more siblings attending IWU |
$1,000 per student |
|
United Methodist Award |
Affiliation with United Methodist Church |
$1,500 |
Facility Type |
Description |
Estimated Cost (USD per Year) |
|---|---|---|
|
Residence Halls |
Traditional dorm-style housing (double or triple occupancy rooms) |
$4,200 – $4,800 |
|
Suites / Apartments |
Limited availability; more privacy, semi-private bathrooms, small kitchen area |
$5,000 – $5,500 |
|
Meal Plan |
Required for on-campus students; all-access dining plan included |
~$4,000 – $4,500 |
|
Utilities & Wi-Fi |
Included in housing cost |
Included |
|
Laundry Facilities |
Available in residence halls (coin-operated or prepaid) |
Minimal additional cost |
|
Campus Amenities |
Library, fitness center, student lounge, study spaces, free campus Wi-Fi |
Included in tuition |
|
Security |
24/7 campus security, secure entry to dorms |
Included |
With a student body of fewer than 1,000, everyone on campus knew each other. The small size meant that students received individual attention from faculty and staff, and it was easy to get involved in campus activities, clubs, or leadership roles.
IWU welcomed students from various countries and backgrounds. International students were a valued part of the community, and the university often hosted cultural events and international nights to celebrate global diversity.
Student life was closely tied to academic and career development. Faculty were accessible and often mentored students one-on-one. The campus also offered support services like:
Academic advising
Career counseling
Internship assistance
Tutoring and writing centers
There were numerous student-led clubs and organizations, including:
Student Government
Campus Ministries
Music ensembles and performing arts
Cultural and diversity clubs
Academic and professional societies
IWU also hosted regular activities like movie nights, open mic events, guest speakers, and themed campus celebrations.
Iowa Wesleyan was part of the NCAA Division III and had various sports teams, including football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track. Even students not involved in competitive sports could access the fitness center, join intramural games, or attend athletic events to support the Tigers.
Living on campus was a big part of the student experience, especially for first-year and international students. The residence halls were more than just places to sleep—they were social hubs where friendships were built, events were held, and lifelong memories were made.
IWU emphasized “service above self” and integrated community service into many aspects of campus life. Students participated in local outreach, volunteer projects, and service-learning tied to their academic programs.
The campus supported student well-being through wellness programming, mental health counseling, and spiritual growth. While affiliated with the United Methodist Church, IWU welcomed students of all faiths and encouraged interfaith dialogue and personal reflection.
Located in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, a peaceful small town, student life was calm and safe. Though not a big city, students had access to essentials, and the university occasionally organized trips to nearby cities for shopping, recreation, or cultural experiences.
IWU emphasized practical skills, real-world experience, and community involvement to prepare students for life after graduation. Many programs included:
Internships
Practicum experiences
Service-learning projects
Career development workshops
These were designed to build strong resumes and give students hands-on experience in their fields before graduation.
The university provided a Career Services Office that helped students with:
Resume and cover letter writing
Job search strategies
Interview preparation
Internship and job placements
Graduate school applications
Career counselors worked one-on-one with students to align their academic paths with their career goals.
Some of the programs with strong post-graduation outcomes included:
Nursing (RN to BSN): Graduates frequently moved into hospital and clinical roles
Education: Many students secured teaching positions in Iowa and surrounding states
Criminal Justice & Human Services: Students found roles in law enforcement, social services, and public policy
Business Administration: Graduates entered fields such as sales, marketing, banking, and entrepreneurship
While exact placement rates varied by year and major, IWU alumni often:
Entered the workforce directly after graduation
Continued their education in graduate or professional schools
Returned to their home countries for leadership roles (especially international students)
IWU had partnerships with community organizations, school districts, local businesses, and healthcare providers—offering networking opportunities and job leads for students. Upon closure, it also established transfer pathways to other institutions to ensure students could complete their degrees.
While Iowa Wesleyan didn’t have big corporate recruiters coming to campus, it provided a personalized, experience-based approach to student career development. With dedicated support and hands-on training, many graduates were well-prepared for employment or further education.
The acceptance rate of Iowa Wesleyan University (IWU), USA was approximately 60% to 70%, making it a moderately selective institution.
Iowa Wesleyan had an inclusive admissions policy, welcoming a broad range of students, including first-generation, non-traditional, and international applicants.
The university focused more on a student’s academic potential, motivation, and fit for the campus community than just test scores or GPA.
It was particularly supportive of students looking for small class sizes, personal attention, and a values-driven education.
High school GPA (typically a minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale)
Transcripts and academic background
English proficiency (for international students)
Optional essays, recommendations, or interviews
Personal achievements and community involvement
Mount Pleasant, Iowa, United States
Iowa Wesleyan University
601 North Main Street
Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
USA
Mount Pleasant is a small, historic town in southeastern Iowa, known for its friendly community and safe environment.
The campus was set on over 60 acres, featuring historic buildings, modern classrooms, residence halls, and athletic facilities.
Students enjoyed a peaceful setting ideal for focused study, with local shops, cafes, and parks nearby.
Larger cities like Iowa City and Cedar Rapids were a short drive away, providing additional cultural and recreational opportunities.
