The Marion-based 345 acres with 16 academic and administrative buildings and 20 red-brick residence halls offer the 2,900 students walking the tree-lined paths more than a place to learn — it offers them community. The Barnes Student Center is a social hub with $2 movies at the Globe Movie Theater, a food court that reminds you of Mom’s home cooking, and live music and entertainment at Crema. The Williams Prayer Chapel, stretching into the sky with one steeple and shining light on Christ through a large rosary window, upholds IWU values and provides students with a place to meditate and grow their character and spirituality. The campus also touts one of the largest auditoriums in the Midwest — the Chapel-Auditorium — seating 3,800, which is plenty of room for the chapel services, commencements, convocations, concerts, and conventions.

Since 1985, IWU said “no adult left behind” and opened more than 90 education centers throughout Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, and offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. In 1996, the university went online, with more than 80 programs that offer the same degrees students could earn on campus — with the only difference being that you could now take your classes and turn in your assignments from the comfort of your couch, if that’s how you like to learn. The online system groups students into learning communities from the beginning of their programs to the end. That way students learn with the same peers and naturally develop relationships, support systems, and trust over time — so much so that many meet at graduation and feel like they’re surrounded by long-time friends. The online program was even recognized in 2014 as one of the country’s Best Online Colleges by Best Value Schools (BVS).

The Wildcats represent IWU in red and gray as they compete against other private Christian schools in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Mid-Central College Conference. Men can compete in nine sports, spanning from basketball and baseball to cross country and football. Women can compete in 10 sports including swimming, tennis, basketball, soccer, and more. And as they compete, athletes are encouraged to “imitate Christ’s humility.” For those who aren’t interested in varsity-level athletics, intramural activities are offered throughout the year with the Luau Sand Volleyball, the Backyard Brawl flag football competition, racquetball tournaments, and more.

Character and spirituality are held up as high as knowledge at IWU. The university, as part of the Wesleyan Church and with a student population that represents more than 80 Christian denominations and 10 foreign countries, offers religious studies including biblical literature, youth ministries, and Christian worship. Among its 80 undergrad, 38 graduate, and five doctorate degrees, you can also find traditional studies such as public relations, computer science, accounting, writing, biology, and elementary education. With small class sizes and a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, students receive more personalized attention. Professors are passionate about their students’ successes and the fields they teach. Students can even take their learning to the next level with IWU special programs that focus on leadership and nature. Like Outdoor Wilderness Learning, where you experience God’s creation in Ontario, Canada, for a week. Or Adventure Learning, where you can spend weekends or holidays rock climbing, backpacking, and kayaking. You’ll find more than facts at IWU — you’ll find your calling in life.