Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) students are making strides in their educational pursuits, with a focus on higher education as part of their career objectives. Dual credit courses and early college opportunities have been instrumental in boosting college enrollment rates. For the Class of 2024, 32% of graduates enrolled in college immediately after high school, while 71.2% of the Class of 2025 intends to pursue further education or trade programs.

“IPS students are making remarkable progress toward their higher education and career goals,” said Austin Dodd, director of High School Academies and Pathways for the district’s Postsecondary Readiness Department. He emphasized that the increase in dual credit enrollments and college plans reflects IPS's commitment to equipping students for success beyond high school.

Dodd highlighted partnerships that have expanded early college opportunities for IPS students. “Through collaborations with CELL’s Urban College Acceleration Network (UCAN) initiative and Ivy Tech Community College, the district has enhanced access to the Indiana College Core, associate degrees, and technical education programs,” he said.

A growing number of students are participating in dual credit courses through Ivy Tech Community College, advancing their readiness for college while saving on tuition costs. In the 2023-2024 academic year alone, IPS students earned about 3,500 college credits.

In that same year, 675 IPS students participated in dual credit programs, earning 189 credentials and saving approximately $619,000 in tuition fees. The following school year saw a notable increase with 997 students registered—a 48% rise from the previous year—expected to save around $1.1 million in tuition costs.

The district boasts approximately 70 high school staff members credentialed to teach dual credit courses across more than 80 available classes.

Efforts to expand early college opportunities continue as Arsenal Technical High School and Crispus Attucks High School have completed applications to become Early College High Schools within Indiana's network of such institutions.

By Spring 2026, IPS is set to graduate its first early college cohort with over 50 students on track to earn the Indiana College Core. Additionally, George Washington High School launched its inaugural early college cohort this January with over 75 freshmen enrolling in their first course via Ivy Tech.

FAFSA completion rates among IPS seniors are also improving; last year saw a filing rate of 60.6%, surpassing the state average of 45.4%. Midway through this year's FAFSA season, about 30.5% of seniors have completed their forms along with an impressive submission rate by eligible Century Scholars at around 41%.

IPS supports these efforts through FAFSA filing nights and other resources aimed at meeting the April deadline.

“We are incredibly proud of the efforts our students are putting into their academic futures,” Dodd remarked regarding increasing participation rates and future plans among IPS learners.