Key takeaways
Dual credit and dual enrollment programs at Ivy Tech Community College offer high school students a valuable opportunity to earn college credits while still in school. These programs can significantly reduce future college costs and enhance academic readiness, making them a smart choice for students aiming to get ahead.
- Ivy Tech reports that dual credit students are more likely to persist and graduate compared to their peers (Ivy Tech).
- Dual enrollment allows students to take college-level courses that count for both high school and college credit, providing a head start on their education.
- Many dual credit courses are offered at little to no cost, making them an affordable option for families (Ivy Tech).
- Students should utilize the Knowledge Assessment to determine their readiness for college-level coursework, ensuring they are placed in the appropriate classes.
Contents
If you’re a high school student looking to get ahead without taking on massive college debt, dual credit and dual enrollment programs at Ivy Tech Community College might be the smartest move you can make. Here’s what you need to know about how dual enrollment works at Ivy Tech, who’s eligible, what courses are available, and how to make the most of the opportunity.
What Is Dual Enrollment at Ivy Tech and How Does It Work?
“Dual credits are great and a great idea for graduating early! Just remember they are 8‑week classes and move very fast”
Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college-level classes that count for both high school and college credit. Ivy Tech partners with hundreds of Indiana high schools to offer these courses either:
- At your high school (taught by approved high school instructors)
- Online through Ivy Tech’s virtual platforms
- Or on-campus for students who want a more immersive experience
These credits go on your official Ivy Tech transcript and can often transfer to four-year universities.
Key Benefits of Earning Dual Credit in High School
Before we get into logistics, here’s why students—and parents—love the program:
- It’s often free or low-cost (compared to traditional tuition)
- You can knock out general education credits early
- It strengthens college applications
- It helps you graduate from college sooner
- It builds real academic confidence before full-time college begins
Ivy Tech reports that dual credit students are more likely to persist and graduate—a major win for long-term success.
Who Can Enroll and What You Need to Know?
You don’t have to be a straight-A student or class valedictorian to qualify—but you do need to meet basic eligibility requirements and get approval from your school. To enroll in Ivy Tech dual credit courses, students typically must:
- Be in grades 9-12
- Attend an Ivy Tech partner high school
- Get parental and school approval
- Meet course-specific prerequisites (especially for math and English)
Some classes may require placement testing or demonstration of college readiness through GPA, PSAT/SAT scores, or Ivy Tech’s Knowledge Assessment.
What Courses Are Typically Offered for Dual Credit?
Ivy Tech offers a broad mix of general education and technical classes. Here’s a sample of what you might see on your school’s dual credit roster:
| Course Area | Sample Classes |
| English & Writing | ENG 111 (English Composition) |
| Math | MATH 136 (College Algebra) |
| Science | CHEM 101 (Intro to Chemistry) |
| Social Sciences | HIST 101 (U.S. History) |
| Business | BUSN 101 (Intro to Business) |
| Technology | CINS 101 (Intro to IT) |
| Health | HLHS 100 (Medical Terminology) |
Each high school may offer a slightly different list, so check with your counselor.
How to Enroll in Ivy Tech Dual Credit Programs?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to enroll:
| Step | Details |
| Meet eligibility requirements | Students must typically be in grades 9-12 and meet placement criteria (GPA or test scores) |
| Talk to your school counselor | They will help you identify which Ivy Tech courses are available at your high school |
| Complete the Ivy Tech application | This is done online through the Ivy Tech Dual Credit portal |
| Submit required documentation | This may include transcripts, test scores, and parental consent forms |
| Take placement assessments | Some courses may require completion of the Knowledge Assessment or SAT/ACT scores |
| Register for classes | After acceptance and eligibility confirmation, students will register through Ivy Tech |
| Confirm credit transferability | Students should work with both their high school and prospective colleges to ensure credits will transfer |
Documents You’ll Need
To enroll, students usually need to submit:
- A parental consent form
- Their high school transcript
- Ivy Tech’s online dual credit application
- Any required assessment scores or GPA documentation
Some schools also require a Career and Technical Education (CTE) interest form if applying for tech programs.
Important Enrollment Deadlines
Deadlines vary by district and semester, but key periods include:
- Fall enrollment: Typically closes in late August
- Spring enrollment: Usually ends by mid-January
Missing a deadline means waiting until the next term—so stay in contact with your school’s dual credit coordinator.
Knowledge Assessment at Ivy Tech: What to Expect?
“It depends on the specific assessment, but all of them are just standard math questions. If you do not score high in certain areas, you have the chance to do learning activities through the same system, then you can answer the questions again until you are math ready”
The Knowledge Assessment at Ivy Tech is designed to evaluate a student’s readiness for college-level coursework, particularly in subjects like reading, writing, and math. Instead of functioning as a high-stakes placement test, it serves as a diagnostic tool that helps determine the appropriate starting point for each student’s academic journey. The test is adaptive, meaning it adjusts the difficulty of questions based on your responses. This format ensures that students are neither overwhelmed by material that’s too advanced nor held back by overly basic content.
The assessment can be completed online or in person, and students are often encouraged to prepare with practice materials provided by Ivy Tech or through guided support from their high school or dual credit coordinators. The outcome of the assessment might determine eligibility for certain dual credit courses or help advisors recommend foundational courses to strengthen key academic skills. Ivy Tech emphasizes that the assessment is part of a broader commitment to student success, and retesting is available if needed. Understanding what to expect can help students approach the experience with confidence, knowing it’s not a barrier, but a tool to support their growth.
Earning and Using Ivy Tech College Credit
Once you pass your dual credit course, the grade appears on your Ivy Tech transcript. You can:
- Use it toward an Ivy Tech associate degree or certificate
- Transfer it to a four-year Indiana university via the STGEC (Statewide Transfer General Education Core)
- Include it on college applications as proof of advanced coursework
Be sure to request an official transcript when applying to colleges after graduation.
Support and Resources for Dual Enrollment Students
Ivy Tech doesn’t just throw you into college-level classes without backup. Dual credit students get access to:
- Tutoring centers
- Academic advisors
- Writing labs and libraries
- Online learning tools
- Career coaching through Ivy+ support
You’ll also be assigned a local Ivy Tech dual credit coordinator who can help if any issues come up.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Ana Lucía Torres, Senior Learning Advisor
Sources: Ivy Tech, Reddit
