Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has reported a significant increase in the number of seniors choosing to attend Indiana University Indianapolis. This growth is attributed to the IU Seamless Admissions program, which was launched in 2023 to simplify the admissions process for local high school students. The program allows qualifying students with at least a 3.0 GPA to apply through a short online form, submit transcripts, and bypass traditional application requirements and fees.
During the Fall 2024 to Fall 2025 admissions cycle, applications from IPS’s four district-managed high schools—Arsenal Technical, Crispus Attucks, George Washington, and Shortridge—increased by 38%. Admissions rose by nearly 55%, while deposits grew by more than 53%. Enrollment numbers went up from 81 to 117 students, marking a 44% rise.
The Seamless Admissions initiative expanded in May 2024 to include IPS Innovation Network schools and several charter/innovation partners such as Herron, KIPP, Purdue Poly, and Phalen. This expansion brought the total number of IPS-affiliated high schools participating in the program to more than twelve. Data collection for these additional schools is ongoing.
Courtney Thomas, IPS’s Education, Employment, Enlistment (3E) Coordinator commented on this trend: “The rising numbers are a strong indicator that higher education is becoming a true and attainable choice for IPS students,” she said. “More students see college not as a dream, but as an option within reach.”
Rashelle Welcher, a senior at Arsenal Technical High School who participated in the Seamless Admissions program shared her experience: “Being part of this process has made college feel more reachable for me,” Welcher recently told the IPS Board of School Commissioners. “Visiting the campus and opting into my admissions helped me understand what college life could look like, and it motivated me to take my future more seriously. Our College Specialists guided me through the next steps, and the support made everything less stressful. The program has given me confidence—not just about IU Indianapolis, but about exploring other colleges that fit my goals.”
At Shortridge High School, senior Keara Stewart described how her plans changed after being admitted through this pathway: “Before this year, college wasn’t something I was certain about,” Stewart said. “But my senior year changed everything. At first I planned to attend Ivy Tech so I could live at home and save money. Then I found out I’d been admitted to IU Indianapolis because of my 3.210 GPA. When I looked into their dental hygiene program I realized this was exactly what I wanted to pursue.” As a recipient of Indiana’s state-funded scholarship for low-income students known as “21st Century Scholar,” Stewart will have her tuition covered.
“These programs change students’ lives and futures. Mine is one of them,” she added.“Mrs. Armstrong helped me research my major and gave me the courage to share my story today.”
IPS reports that its early-college and dual-credit offerings contributed further momentum; last year IPS students earned over 6,700 college credits compared with about 5,000 previously reported credits—a marked increase year-over-year—and over 71% of its Class of 2025 intends on pursuing postsecondary education or trade programs following graduation.
According to its official website, Indianapolis Public Schools serves over 30,000 students across central Indianapolis via a network of district-managed schools and partner programs focused on academic excellence through tailored instruction within diverse settings.IPS also emphasizes racial equity as part of its strategic priorities.Aleesia Johnson serves as superintendent.Services are provided throughout central Indianapolis communities.
“When barriers are removed opportunities expand—and IPS students are stepping boldly into their futures,” Armstrong said.