PBC + IWU Partnership

The first step is to apply to Portland Bible College. Freshman classes are all hosted live on the PBC campus online in Populi. Students in good grade standing are encouraged to apply to IWU after their Freshman year at PBC. You will work with the PBC provided academic counselor to map out a course plan for your remaining three years. If you are currently a PBC student and want to get started then apply to IWU through our partnership link – https://www.iwubridge.com/portlandbiblecollege

Indiana Wesleyan University is a private Christian University that is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Indiana Wesleyan University is the 3rd largest Christian University with nearly 3,000 students enrolled in traditional programs on the University’s 350-acre residential campus in Marion, Indiana. More than 8,000 adult learners attend classes through IWU-National & Global online programs or at education centers in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. IWU-National & Global offers over 100 degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Learn more here.

The double degree is usually achieved concurrently. All your Bible and Theology will be with PBC faculty. General education credits and the requirements of the second degree will be split between both PBC and IWU. You must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours with IWU to achieve the 2nd degree. IWU classes are all available online, and this arrangement allows you to stay connected with the PBC community as well as benefit from the affordability of living on campus. PBC graduates can also transfer their credits to IWU and pursue a second bachelor’s there after graduation or apply for IWU Masters program under this agreement as well.

The time it will take for you to graduate with two degrees depends on the IWU degree you choose and how many classes you take each year. (For example, students who take one or more classes during the summer will make faster progress than those students who take the summer break off). In our two most popular degree pathways (Integrative Studies and Missional Leadership), you can easily achieve both bachelor’s in the traditional four years as long as you maintain a full-time course load and pass all your courses. For students who choose more technical programs with more specific requirements, both degrees can be achieved in 4.5 to 5 years.

PBC charges $2950 per semester for full-time students (12-18 credit hours). Our partnership with IWU provides PBC students and graduates with a steeply discounted tuition rate of $334 per credit hour for IWU online classes (normally $400-$550). The actual final cost will vary based on the number of IWU credits needed. Yet, because of the affordability of PBC’s tuition and debt-free commitment, the cost of TWO degrees through the PBC-IWU partnership is significantly less than it would be to get just one degree from IWU and even more affordable than attending most other private 4-year colleges. Note: PBC tuition is paid to PBC, and IWU tuition is paid directly to IWU.

PBC classes are available in-person at our Portland campus or online. IWU classes are all delivered online. IWU online course experience varies per class. Lectures are available to access anytime and related assignments due on a particular day/time each week. Courses require a significant amount of reading, participation in discussion posts each week and assignment submissions each week. Expect nuances depending on the course/instructor.  IWU uses Brightspace as the online student portal and students access an orientation after they are admitted. 

Yes! One of the things we love most about this partnership is that you can pursue both degrees while remaining part of our PBC community and staying active in your local church. With permission of the Dean and subject to room availability, it is often an option for you to live on campus for your fifth year of classes. This not only allows you to remain an active part of our school community but is also one of the most affordable options to cover your living expenses and graduate debt-free.

PBC and IWU are actively working to extend the number of programs that qualify. For programs that are not yet listed here, IWU will still accept up to 90 PBC credits. Our Registrar’s Office can work with you and IWU to develop a customized pathway for you even if the program you wish to pursue is not yet listed here; it’s just more likely to be a five-year pathway.

Yes! Your PBC credits will transfer to IWU the same as if you were a current student, and you qualify for the discounted IWU tuition rate. Click here to contact IWU directly; they will tell you how many credits you need to take from IWU to complete your chosen IWU bachelor’s program. If you already have a bachelor’s degree from PBC, you also are eligible for admission to several IWU graduate degree programs and qualify for a 15% discount on tuition costs. Click here to read about Master Program options, including IWU.

International Students can be a part of our Dual Bachelor Program with IWU as long as they meet their PBC and Visa requirements. International Students who wish to be enrolled in the Dual Program must meet with the International Student Advisor to review the options and requirements.