Graduation FAQs

Yes. To officially graduate, students must: 1) Submit a graduation application online and 2) Pay graduation fees.

Please see the 2026 Graduation Schedule of Events for this information.

A non-refundable $35 application/diploma fee is required of all applicants.

There’s an additional $65 fee to participate in Commencement.

NOTE: For Bachelor and Masters students, the Commencement fee covers purchase of their caps and gowns. For Doctoral students, it covers the rental fee of their cap, gowns, and hoods. While caps and gowns are picked up before Commencement, hoods are not given until the Commencement ceremony itself, i.e. they will NOT be picked up with the cap and gown. Doctoral students need to be return all three to the Enrollment Center: cap, gown, and hood.

The graduation fees payment page appears after you complete and submit your Application for Graduation. (Note that you don’t need to have a PayPal account in order to pay online with credit card.)

You can also pay these fees on MIU | Make a Payment if needed.

• MS in Computer Science students — your Graduation Coordinator/Advisor is Biran Saine: ​csgraduation@miu.edu
• All other graduate and undergraduate students — your Graduation Coordinator/Advisor is Harper Armstrong: graduation@miu.edu

Our Graduation Application is available online at Application for Graduation

April 15th is the deadline for Spring graduation application and fees.
November 1st is the deadline for Fall graduation application and fees.

Yes. Apply even if you’re not sure you’ll be able to graduate. If for some reason you don’t qualify, your application and fees will transfer to the next graduation date.

Yes, if you’re within 8 credits of graduation eligibility, you’re may participate.

If you’re unsure of whether or not you meet this criterion, please contact your academic advisor.

Two. There is one at the end of the spring semester and one at the end of the fall semester.

No, there’s only one ceremony per year, at the end of the school year (June). This ceremony is called “Commencement.”

No (unless you had the fees refunded to you.)

Your graduation application and fee will automatically transfer to the next graduation timeline. But do check with your Graduation Coordinator/Advisor to make sure you are on the graduation list and everything’s in order for you to graduate.

Yes. In order to participate in Commencement, all graduating students MUST attend the rehearsal the day before the ceremony. For more information, see the Calendar of Graduation Events.

Unfortunately, no. Only students graduating with degrees can participate in the ceremony (Commencement).  You can pick up your certificate the week following the end of the semester, or request it be sent to you.

Honors are given to approximately the top 10% of the graduating class, based on GPA, participation in all aspects of Consciousness-Based Education, and number of MIU credits earned as determined by the Academic Standards Committee. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian are chosen by the Academic Standards Committee after careful consideration.  You will be notified before graduation if you qualify.

We offer up to 3 free tickets to every graduating student who plans to attend Graduation Banquet: one for you, and two for guests attending with you.

Yes! Once we receive BOTH your graduation application (with the appropriate dues paid) and Invitation For Graduation Visa form, we will create an official graduation invitation letter to send to your invitees. They will then each need to provide it to their Embassy.  The Invitation For Graduation Visa form allows up to 4 invitees. If you require more than 4, please fill out the form as many times as you need. Just make sure to include different invitees on each form. No duplicates.

You can expect to receive your diploma 3-5 weeks following graduation. There is no extra charge for shipping the diploma unless its an international address.

The most convenient airports for traveling to MIU (Fairfield,IA) are:

• Des Moines International Airport – approximately 112 miles from Fairfield
• The Eastern Iowa Airport (Cedar Rapids) – approximately 95 miles from Fairfield

Some travelers also use Southeast Iowa Regional Airport in Burlington, IA. It’s about 56 miles from Fairfield. However, this is a much smaller airport and typically offers only two flights per day.

Transportation may be arranged through the MIU Transport Office. Students should contact them directly at transportation@miu.edu for booking information and current charges.

There are also private drivers in the area. Please note that MIU is not affiliated with, does not endorse, and assumes no responsibility for use of these services.

• SE Iowa Taxi & Delivery Service (Floridan): 641-451-3801
• Bob Blankenship: 641-451-1400
• Ken Dubin: 312-399-8081 | cab@kendubin.com
• Mike Callaway: 641-451-7885
• Veda Nanda Royale: 641-632-2001

To check on the availability of on-campus housing options, please contact either:

• gcc@miu.edu (Guest Center)
• housing@miu.edu

The Guest Center fills quickly, so early inquiry is strongly recommended.

There are also two hotels located near campus. Please note that MIU is not affiliated with, does not endorse, and assumes no responsibility for use of these accommodations.

• AmericInn – https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/americinn/fairfield-iowa/americinn-hotel-and-suites-fairfield/overview
• Super 8 – https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/fairfield-iowa/super-8-fairfield/overview

No.

All attendees are responsible for their own food and lodging. However, meals in Annapurna Dining Hall (MIU’s mostly vegetarian, mostly organic, all-you-can-eat buffet) may be purchased at the university’s Vishwa Shanti Café, both located in the Argiro Student Center.

Yes.

For many visitors, this may be a first visit to campus, and maps are available to help you navigate.

• Online campus map: Campus Map | Maharishi University
• Printed campus maps: Maps are also posted around campus, including several located in the Dreier Building near the main entrance for your convenience.