What Ivy Tech Community College Is

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's public community college system. It operates 19 campuses across the state, plus online programs. You can earn an associate degree, a certificate in a specific trade or field, or take individual courses to transfer credits to a four-year university. Ivy Tech does not award bachelor's degrees — it is designed as a stepping stone to either employment or a university.

The college serves students of all ages and backgrounds. Some people attend full-time right after high school. Others work while taking evening or online classes. Many use Ivy Tech to complete general education requirements cheaply before moving to Indiana University, Purdue, or another four-year school.

Key Takeaways

  • Ivy Tech has 19 physical campuses in Indiana plus online options, so you can study near home or entirely remotely.
  • You can earn an associate degree in two years, a certificate in one year or less, or take individual courses for transfer credit.
  • Tuition costs less than four-year universities, and Ivy Tech participates in federal financial aid, state grants, and scholarship programs.
  • Admission does not require a high school diploma or specific test scores — you can take a placement test to determine which courses fit your level.
  • Many employers in Indiana hire Ivy Tech graduates directly, and many universities accept Ivy Tech credits toward a bachelor's degree.

Ivy Tech Campuses and How to Choose One

Ivy Tech operates campuses in Bloomington, Columbus, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Madison, Marion, Michigan City, Muncie, New Albany, Richmond, South Bend, Terre Haute, and Valparaiso. Each campus offers different programs, though core courses and general education are available at most locations. You can also take most courses online through Ivy Tech's distance learning platform.

If you live near multiple campuses, check which one offers the specific program you want. A welding certificate might be stronger at one location, while nursing might be better resourced at another. You can also mix — take some courses at a physical campus and others online in the same semester.

If you have no campus nearby or prefer to study on your own schedule, Ivy Tech's online program covers associate degrees, certificates, and individual courses. Online students pay the same tuition as campus students and have access to the same financial aid.

Types of Programs and How Long They Take

Ivy Tech offers three main paths. An associate degree takes about two years of full-time study (or longer if you attend part-time) and covers general education plus a major field. A certificate focuses on a specific skill or trade — welding, HVAC, medical coding, automotive technology — and typically takes one year or less. Individual courses let you take one or two classes per semester without committing to a full program, often to transfer credits later.

Associate degrees are designed to transfer. If you earn an associate degree from Ivy Tech and then move to Indiana University, Purdue, or Ball State, most of your credits will count toward a bachelor's degree. The exact transfer depends on your major and the university's policies, so confirm the transfer agreement before you enroll.

Certificates lead directly to jobs. Employers in Indiana actively hire Ivy Tech certificate holders for positions in manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades, and information technology. Some certificates also allow you to continue to an associate degree if you decide later to pursue more education.

Admission and Placement Testing

Ivy Tech does not require a high school diploma or GED to start. You can begin with a placement test that measures your skills in reading, writing, and math. Based on your results, you will be placed into courses at the right level — some students start in college-level classes, while others begin with developmental courses to build foundational skills first.

The placement test is free and takes about two hours. Ivy Tech uses the results to recommend which courses you should take in your first semester, not to reject you. If you score low in math, for example, you might take a developmental math course alongside your other classes, then move into college-level math the next semester.

You can retake the placement test if you want to try for a higher score, or you can challenge your placement by showing prior coursework or work experience. Talk to an admissions counselor about your situation — they can often place you in the right course without requiring a test retake.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Ivy Tech's tuition is lower than Indiana's four-year public universities. The exact cost depends on whether you take courses on campus or online, how many credits you take per semester, and whether you are an Indiana resident. Part-time students pay per credit, while full-time students (typically 12 or more credits) pay a flat rate per semester.

Ivy Tech participates in federal financial aid, meaning you can borrow through federal student loans and may be may be able to access for federal grants like the Pell Grant. Indiana also offers state grants for residents who meet income requirements. Ivy Tech has its own scholarship program as well, with awards ranging from a few hundred dollars to full tuition coverage depending on your major and academic record.

To access financial aid, you fill out the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at fafsa.gov. Ivy Tech's financial aid office will then tell you what you may have access to for. You can also contact Ivy Tech's financial aid office directly — they can walk you through the process and help you understand your options for loans, grants, and scholarships.

What Happens After You Graduate

If you earn a certificate, you are ready to enter the job market. Many Ivy Tech certificate programs have partnerships with local employers, and the college's career services office helps you with resume writing and job interviews. Some employers even recruit directly from Ivy Tech campuses.

If you earn an associate degree, you have two main paths. You can enter the workforce — many employers hire associate degree holders for supervisory, technical, and professional roles. Or you can transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor's degree. Indiana has transfer agreements in place, so your credits move with you and you do not lose time or money repeating coursework.

Ivy Tech also offers career counseling and job placement services. You can meet with a counselor to explore what jobs are available in your field, what they pay, and what additional education or certifications might help you advance.

How to get your free guide

Start by visiting Ivy Tech's website and browsing programs. You can filter by campus location and by field of study. Once you find a program that interests you, contact the admissions office at that campus or call Ivy Tech's main admissions line. They can tell you about program requirements, when classes start, and what the next steps are.

You will need to complete an admissions form, provide proof of high school graduation or GED (or explain if you do not have one), and schedule your placement test. Most of this can be done online. After you are admitted, you will meet with an academic advisor who helps you choose your first-semester courses and connects you with financial aid.

Ivy Tech admits students on a rolling basis, meaning there is no single process important date — you can start in the fall, spring, or summer semester depending on when you are ready. However, some programs fill up, so it is worth reaching out early to confirm space is available in the program you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ivy Tech credits transfer to Indiana University or Purdue?

Yes, Ivy Tech has formal transfer agreements with Indiana University, Purdue University, Ball State, and other Indiana four-year schools. Most general education and major-specific credits transfer, though the exact number depends on your program and the university. Before you enroll, ask Ivy Tech's admissions office for the transfer agreement with the university you plan to attend.

Can I attend Ivy Tech while working full-time?

Yes. Ivy Tech offers evening and weekend classes at most campuses, and most programs are available online. Many students take one or two courses per semester while working. A full-time course load is typically 12 to 15 credits per semester, but you can take fewer and extend your program timeline.

What if I do not pass the placement test?

You are not rejected. Instead, you start in developmental courses that build your skills in reading, writing, or math. These courses count toward your degree or certificate and prepare you for college-level work. Many students take one or two semesters of developmental courses, then move into regular college classes.

Does Ivy Tech offer childcare or other support services?

Ivy Tech campuses offer tutoring, academic advising, career counseling, and disability support services. Some campuses have childcare resources or can connect you with community childcare programs. Contact your campus directly to ask what support is available — needs vary by location.

Can I change my major after I start?

Yes. You can change your major at any time, though it may add semesters to your program if your new major requires different courses. Talk to your academic advisor about the change — they can map out how many additional courses you need and help you plan your schedule.