Illinois Wesleyan University, an independent, residential, liberal arts university founded in 1850, strives to attain the ideal of a liberal education while providing unique opportunities with distinctive curricula and programs. Liberal education at Illinois Wesleyan fosters creativity, critical thinking, effective communication, character strength, and a spirit of inquiry. Our curriculum deepens the specialized knowledge of a discipline with a comprehensive world view. The Illinois Wesleyan experience affords the most significant possibilities for realizing individual potential while preparing students for democratic citizenship and life in a global society. As the University pursues this ideal for all of our students, we help students follow a wide range of career and life paths, offering diverse curricula in liberal arts, fine arts, professional programs, and opportunities for interdisciplinary study off-campus learning. Through our policies, programs, and practices, the University is committed to diversity, social justice, and environmental sustainability. A tightly knit, supportive university community, together with various opportunities for close interaction with excellent faculty, both challenges and supports students in their personal and intellectual development.
Diversity and Inclusion are intrinsic to the mission of Illinois Wesleyan University. At IWU, we believe that education in the context of diversity creates the wealthiest learning environment and experiences. Here at IWU, we appreciate diversity in many facets, including the diversity of thoughts and perspectives. We strive to develop the most enriching, progressive, vibrant, and welcoming community possible. On our campus, students are encouraged to be themselves in their fullness. They are challenged to embrace what it means to be unique in a closely connected web of exceptional individuals. In fulfilling this purpose, we infuse aspects of culture, identity, Inclusion, and engagement into all facets of the IWU experience from the curricular to the co-curricular.
The Illinois Wesleyan experience affords the most significant possibilities for realizing individual potential while preparing students for democratic citizenship and life in a global society. As the University pursues this ideal for all of our students, we help students follow a wide range of career and life paths, offering diverse curricula in liberal arts, fine arts, professional programs, and opportunities for interdisciplinary study off-campus learning. Through our policies, programs, and practices, the University is committed to diversity, social justice, and environmental sustainability.
Our study abroad tuition policy allows you to apply your IWU tuition and scholarship or need-based assistance toward the cost of studying abroad for a semester. This means virtually any student who attends Illinois Wesleyan can afford to study abroad. This opportunity is something we encourage students to experience while at Illinois Wesleyan. Undergraduate research is a hallmark of Illinois Wesleyan, and the Eckley program is just one of many sponsored programs that take place during the school year and over the summer. As an exclusively undergraduate university, students have greater access to research opportunities because they do not compete with graduate students.
The Action Research Center is a unique experiential-learning center that matches students with a wide array of community, governmental and corporate organizations where students work independently and side-by-side with professionals to conduct research, develop new initiatives, create strategic plans, and more. There are many different ways to learn more about Illinois Wesleyan University. If you are just getting started, you might want to fill out our online request form to send you information about majors, activities, athletics, etc. We can add you to our mailing list. Another great source of information is your personal admissions counselor. You can meet with your counselor at your high school, local college fair, or on campus, or you can contact your counselor via phone or email.
The Hart Career Center's primary services to students involve career guidance, internship facilitation, graduate school advising, and job search assistance. A wide variety of career-related events are coordinated throughout the year to assist students in these four areas.
Our students have the opportunity to do original research at the undergraduate level, collaborating with faculty who are at the top of their fields. Because Illinois Wesleyan is an entirely undergraduate institution, students are offered research and creative opportunities without competition from graduate students. They develop close relationships with faculty who love to teach and engage students in their research and scholarly work. Check out some of the work that has resulted from faculty mentorship of students in the IWU Digital Commons.
Illinois Wesleyan University was founded in 1850 by a diverse group of 30 civic and religious leaders who established "an Institution of learning of Collegiate grade." When a sponsor was needed, the founders gained support from the United Methodist Church, which is how "Wesleyan" was added to the original name, "Illinois University." The University's relationship with the church has evolved over the years. While maintaining its Methodist affiliation, true to its founding roots, Illinois Wesleyan continues to be a diverse and inclusive community, independent in its governance.
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