Indiana Wesleyan University
One of the largest Christian universities in the United States, HLC-accredited, with roughly 15,000 students. Hybrid F-1 graduate programs at $499 per credit hour with mandatory in-person residencies at designated education centers.
About Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University is one of the largest Christian universities in the United States, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission with specialised accreditation from ACBSP for business and CCNE for nursing. Based in Marion, Indiana, IWU enrols roughly 15,000 students, the large majority through its National & Global division, which delivers online and hybrid programs. International F-1 students study in a hybrid format and, in IWU's words, "must attend an in person residency at a designated education center." Master's tuition is published at $499 per credit hour, and IWU offers frequent start dates throughout the year rather than a conventional two-intake calendar. IWU states that its programs support "CPT or post-completion OPT for eligible students" — it does not publish a first-semester CPT guarantee, so confirm timing with the university directly.
Campus locations
- Main campus — Marion, Indiana
- Designated education centers for hybrid F-1 residencies (confirm your assigned site with IWU)
Academic calendar: Frequent start dates throughout the year rather than fixed semester intakes
Programs Offered at IWU
Master of Business Administration
MA in Organizational Leadership
MS in Accounting
Doctoral programs (hybrid, international pathway)
CPT at Indiana Wesleyan University
CPT Availability
Indiana Wesleyan University publishes a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) process for eligible F-1 students. Earliest published timing: Confirm with the university — IWU does not publish a first-semester guarantee. A DSO must approve each request, and employment cannot begin before the student receives the CPT-endorsed I-20.
Academic Format
Published in-person attendance: Mandatory in-person residency at a designated education center. Delivery format can vary by program, campus, and student status; confirm the exact schedule and location with the university before enrolling.
Academic Integration
CPT employment must be integral to the curriculum and directly related to the student's major. Published renewal timing: Per authorization; confirm cadence with the international office. Confirm the required course and approval criteria with the DSO.
Student Responsibilities
F-1 students must maintain lawful enrollment, work only for the employer and at the location and dates authorized on page 2 of the I-20, and obtain DSO approval before beginning or changing employment. School-specific rules are listed below when the university publishes them.
IWU CPT Rules in Detail
Drawn from Indiana Wesleyan University’s own published policy pages. Confirm details with the university’s international office before relying on them.
- Authorization length
- Confirm with IWU International Student Services
- When to apply
- CPT authorization typically takes 5–15 business days after a complete application is submitted and reviewed
Restrictions and conditions
- Employment must be related to your field of study and an integral part of your curriculum
- Hybrid F-1 students must attend an in-person residency at a designated education center
- IWU publishes that programs support "CPT or post-completion OPT for eligible students" without guaranteeing first-semester CPT — confirm timing before enrolling
- Twelve months or more of full-time CPT eliminates OPT eligibility
Investment Overview
Published cost breakdown
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition — standard master's courses | $499 per credit hour | — |
| Total — 30-credit master's program | $19,801.98 | — |
| Total — 36-credit master's program | $23,685.46 | — |
| Total — 42-credit master's program | $27,535.46 | — |
Figures published by Indiana Wesleyan University and last checked August 8, 2026. Tuition and fees change — confirm current amounts with the university before applying.
How to Apply to IWU
Required Documents
- Application form
- Official transcripts
- Passport and visa copy
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Proof of financial support
Application Process
- Review Program RequirementsConfirm the program, campus, delivery format, attendance schedule, tuition, and current application deadline with the university.
- Gather DocumentsPrepare the academic, identity, immigration, English-proficiency, and financial documents listed for your applicant type.
- Submit ApplicationApply online for one of the intake dates: Multiple starts throughout the year (roughly monthly).
- Complete F-1 Onboarding and Apply for CPT SeparatelyAdmission and CPT authorization are separate decisions. After completing the university’s F-1 onboarding steps and obtaining a qualifying offer, submit the CPT request and wait for a DSO-issued CPT I-20 before working.
Common Questions about IWU
IWU's official international F-1 page states that its programs support "CPT or post-completion OPT for eligible students," but it does not publish a first-semester or Day 1 CPT guarantee. Several third-party sites market IWU as a Day 1 CPT school; that claim is not supported by IWU's own published materials. Contact IWU International Student Services directly and get the answer in writing before enrolling on that basis.
Sources & verification
- Indiana Wesleyan University — International Hybrid F-1 Students
- Indiana Wesleyan University — International Pathways
Last verified: August 8, 2026 against the sources listed above.
Not yet confirmed by the institution. This page is compiled from Indiana Wesleyan University's published materials and has not been reviewed by the university. Tuition, program availability, and CPT policy change frequently. Always confirm current details directly with the university’s international office and your DSO before making enrolment or immigration decisions. CPTGuru is not affiliated with Indiana Wesleyan University.
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