Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE HEARTLAND SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT?
The Heartland School of Leadership and Development (HSLD) is a ministry of Heartland Church in the Central Indianapolis area; Through our partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University’s online programs we offer various Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in addition to in-person classes, leadership experience, spiritual growth, and student life.
WHO IS THE HEARTLAND SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT FOR?
The Heartland School of Leadership and Development (HSLD) is for any high school graduate age 18-25 who desires to grow in their relationship with God and develop their leadership while earning a degree to make a difference in the marketplace or for vocational ministry.
WHAT DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS LOOK LIKE?
Each student must fill out an online application. Once the application is complete, the Heartland School of Leadership and Development (HSLD) team will reach out to schedule a video or in-person interview. If a student is accepted, they must also apply to Indiana Wesleyan University and be accepted by them in order to begin the HSLD program.
IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE?
No...we want to make it as easy as possible for you to pursue your dreams!
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE?
The Heartland School of Leadership and Development (HSLD) operates Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, where students will be immersed in the culture of the Heartland Church community, and gain practical ministry and work experience while pursuing a college degree.
Once a month, students will serve a local organization in need. Students will have Saturday, Monday, and most Fridays off.
IS THIS AN ACCREDITED PROGRAM?
Yes, the Heartland School of Leadership and Development (HSLD) is partnering with Indiana Wesleyan University, an accredited university authorized to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
The student’s goals determine the length of the program. The Heartland School of Leadership and Development (HSLD) is for high school graduates seeking an associate’s or bachelor's degree which most students will accomplish in 2 or 4 years respectively.
Students can also transfer into the program if they already have some college credits and they can transfer out of the program to finish their degree taking with them the credits they have earned.
WILL CREDITS FROM OTHER COLLEGES TRANSFER INTO THE HEARTLAND SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT, OR CAN I TRANSFER HSLD CREDITS TO OTHER COLLEGES?
Yes. Each school varies, but most classes will transfer into the Heartland School of Leadership and Development (HSLD) and transfer out to other colleges, depending on what the other school or IWU will accept.
DOES THE HEARTLAND SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT OFFER FINANCIAL AID OR STUDENT LOANS?
Yes. Because Indiana Wesleyan University is an accredited institution, its partnership with the Heartland School of Leadership and Development (HSLD) enables enrolled students to pay for their college experience using federal financial aid. To be eligible for such funding, the student must file an Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as a FAFSA, each year.
Please note: April 15 is the priority filing date to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for aid awarded for the upcoming academic year. The FAFSA will be available in December.
Financial aid notification communications begin in April to admitted students who have submitted a FAFSA. If you are admitted to begin in the spring term, you should file a FAFSA as soon as possible after being admitted if you have not already.
WILL I BE ABLE TO WORK A JOB WHILE ATTENDING THE HEARTLAND SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT?
Yes. But please remember that you will be a full-time college student and will need to plan your work hours around your classes, leadership track and student life schedules.
WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM?
To meet a deadline, your application must be complete, which means we have received all required material.
NOVEMBER 1: Early Action Application Deadline
Students who meet the Early Action deadline will have an admission decision on January 15.
JUNE 15: Regular Decision Application Deadline
Students who apply by the Regular Decision deadline will have a decision by June 31st to be considered for Fall enrollment.
IS HOUSING AVAILABLE?
No, housing is not available for non-local students at this time.
ARE COMPUTERS PROVIDED?
Various computers and printers are available to students as they serve in ministry tracks at the Heartland School of Leadership and Development (HSLD). However, it is required for every student to bring a laptop for coursework and assignments.
WILL I NEED TRANSPORTATION?
Yes. Students will need to have reliable transportation to get to and from The Heartland Church campus, as well as regular student-life activities.
WHAT IS THE COST OF HEARTLAND SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT?
Tuition for the Heartland School of Leadership and Development (HSLD) is around $10,000 a year, which includes over 30 credit hours of online and in-person college classes, over 300 hours of in-person instruction, ministry rotations, fellowships, mentoring, student life outings, and much more.
WHAT DO I RECEIVE IF I FINISH?
After successfully completing the Heartland School of Leadership and Development (HSLD) program, students will have earned a college degree and gained valuable work, ministry, and leadership experience.