News release from Ivy Tech Community College:
Ivy Tech saves Indiana parents more than $14 million in college tuition
(INDIANAPOLIS, July 11, 2012) – Ivy Tech Community College enrolled 29,357 Indiana high school students in dual credit this past year, saving Indiana parents more than $14.1 million in tuition costs. This year’s dual credit enrollment represents an 18 percent increase in students, compared to the 25,429 high school students enrolled last year.
In just four years, dual credit enrollment at Ivy Tech has grown by more than 240 percent.
“Rapid growth such as this demonstrates a commitment by the state’s school corporations and Ivy Tech to implement college and career readiness initiatives designed to prepare high school students for their postsecondary endeavors,” said Thomas J. Snyder, President of Ivy Tech. “We can all take pride in making such pursuits affordable during this time when many of the costs associated with college have approached levels that make it very difficult for many Hoosier families.”
Ivy Tech’s dual credit program allows high school students to simultaneously earn both college credit at Ivy Tech and high school credit. Dual credit courses are free to students, saving parents even more on their child’s college education.
The college currently offers dual credit programs in 322 Indiana high schools and career centers. Dual credit plays an important role in strengthening the connection between high school and college, making the transition between sectors easier for students while providing high school students with a realistic understanding of college-level academic expectations.
“We consider our work in this area to be only the beginning and look forward to even more opportunities to grow,” said Snyder. “We look forward to creating more dual credit opportunities for students and continuing to build partnerships with the state’s K-12 educators.”
Ivy Tech uses dual credit to encourage greater participation in higher education and to help students overcome real or perceived obstacles to higher education.
The most common form of Ivy Tech dual credit involves courses taught in a high school, by a high school instructor, and offered during the regular school day. High school faculty who offer the dual credit course must meet credential requirements and participate in professional development provided by Ivy Tech. To reach a dual credit agreement for a course taught in a high school by a high school instructor, Ivy Tech works with the high school to establish that the high school class and the college class are identical, or if necessary, to suggest changes in order to qualify as a dual credit course. This process involves review of course content, lesson plans, textbooks, exams, assignments, facilities and equipment. Dual credit agreements are reviewed every year to promote collaboration and to ensure continuity of professional staff, course content, textbooks, and other key teaching and learning factors.
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
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