is Ivy Tech A Good Nursing School?
Yes, Ivy Tech Community College is widely considered a strong nursing school—especially for students seeking an affordable, practical, and accredited pathway into the healthcare field.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Accreditation and Recognition
Ivy Tech’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Practical Nursing (PN) programs are accredited by:
- The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing
This means graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN licensing exams, and Ivy Tech’s pass rates are consistently above national averages in many of its regional campuses.
2. Affordability
Ivy Tech offers one of the most affordable nursing programs in Indiana, with in-state tuition around $4,000 per year. This makes it a top choice for students looking to avoid debt and start working sooner in a high-demand field.
3. Clinical Experience
The nursing program is known for offering extensive hands-on clinical training through partnerships with hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics across Indiana. Students typically start clinical rotations early in the program, gaining real-world experience alongside their coursework.
4. Workforce Placement
- High job placement rates: Many graduates find nursing jobs quickly after licensure, often with the hospitals or healthcare systems where they trained.
- Ivy Tech has strong ties with Indiana health systems like IU Health, Franciscan Health, and Community Health Network.
5. Transferability
If students want to go further, Ivy Tech’s ASN degree can transfer to RN-to-BSN programs at Indiana University, Purdue University, and other four-year institutions through articulation agreements.
Pros:
- ACEN-accredited
- Affordable tuition
- Excellent clinical partnerships
- Strong NCLEX pass rates
- Good for both job entry and degree advancement
Cons:
- Competitive admissions process (selective due to demand)
- Limited availability of spots at some campuses
- No bachelor’s degree program (must transfer for BSN)
Bottom Line:
If you’re in Indiana and looking for a cost-effective, respected, and career-focused nursing program, Ivy Tech is one of the best community college options. It prepares students for both immediate employment and further education.
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Yes Ivy Tech stands as a solid choice to many students, however, some of the reviews caught us worried. Here is one review we didn’t like from Google Reviews:
“The classroom experience is hit or miss. Occasionally it’s great and your “instructor” is knowledgeable and can actually teach you something, unfortunately that’s not the norm. Most of the “instructors” barely seem to know the subject matter, let alone have the ability to teach somebody else. They don’t teach you to learn and retain the subject matter, it’s just stuffing enough in your head to pass the test so that the school looks better. The administrative staff is a joke and are basically just rude if you don’t know things that you usually wouldn’t know without asking questions. “
Ivy Tech Community College: A Comprehensive Review for Prospective Students
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and one of the most expansive community college systems in the United States. With a network of more than 40 campuses and service sites across the state, Ivy Tech serves as a critical gateway to higher education for thousands of Hoosiers annually. Its mission is rooted in accessibility, affordability, and workforce alignment—values that have made it a model for community colleges nationwide.
Founded in 1963, Ivy Tech has grown into a statewide powerhouse, enrolling around 100,000 students in credit-bearing programs each year, plus an additional 60,000+ high school students through dual-credit opportunities. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, an adult learner returning to the classroom, or a working professional seeking a new skillset, Ivy Tech is structured to meet students where they are and take them where they want to go.
What Makes Ivy Tech Stand Out
Ivy Tech doesn’t operate as a single campus—it functions as an integrated system with regional branches that are deeply tied to local economies. This allows the college to provide consistent academic standards while tailoring workforce programs to regional industry needs. It offers more than 70 programs of study across healthcare, advanced manufacturing, business, information technology, education, and public service. Each program is designed with input from employers, ensuring graduates are prepared for real-world challenges.
Its dual mission—to prepare students for direct entry into the workforce or seamless transfer to a four-year institution—has driven Ivy Tech’s reputation as both a career-launching platform and a stepping stone to advanced education.
Ivy Tech Community College: At-a-Glance Data Table
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year Established | 1963 |
| Total Enrollment | Approx. 100,000 (plus 60,000+ dual-credit high school students) |
| Number of Campuses | 40+ locations across Indiana |
| In-State Tuition (Annual) | $4,055 |
| Out-of-State Tuition (Annual) | $7,932 |
| Average Net Price After Aid | $7,391 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 37:1 |
| Graduation Rate | 36.6% |
| Financial Aid Participation | 78% of students receive aid |
| Minority Enrollment | 33% |
| Top Programs | Nursing, Health Sciences, IT, Business, Advanced Manufacturing |
| Median Graduate Salary | $37,186 |
| Transfer Agreements | 100+ articulation agreements with Indiana’s 4-year universities |
Academic Strength and Career Relevance
Ivy Tech’s most popular and competitive programs are in healthcare, particularly nursing and dental assisting, both of which are accredited and provide students with immediate licensure pathways upon graduation. The School of Information Technology is also rapidly growing, offering degrees and certificates aligned with CompTIA and Cisco certifications.
In recent years, Ivy Tech has expanded its advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity offerings, thanks to partnerships with leading companies across Indiana. The college’s programs are structured in stackable formats, meaning students can earn short-term certificates, technical certificates, and associate degrees along a clear continuum—providing flexibility and job-ready credentials at every step.
Affordability and Debt-Free Graduation
Cost is a major factor in choosing a college, and Ivy Tech keeps it refreshingly affordable. At $4,055 annually for in-state students, Ivy Tech’s tuition is among the lowest in the country. More importantly, a substantial majority of students—nearly 80%—receive some form of financial aid, and 4 out of 5 graduates do so without student loan debt.
Ivy Tech also participates in Indiana’s Next Level Jobs initiative and Frank O’Bannon Grants, as well as the 21st Century Scholars Program, which make higher education accessible to thousands of underserved and first-generation college students.
Student Outcomes and Real-World Readiness
Student success is not just about graduation—it’s about employment and economic mobility. Ivy Tech reports a median graduate salary of over $37,000, with many graduates in technical and healthcare fields earning significantly more.
Students have access to career services that include job fairs, resume support, internships, and employer partnerships. Many programs also include externships and clinical rotations, giving students valuable hands-on experience before they graduate.
The transfer track is equally strong. Ivy Tech has over 100 articulation agreements with Indiana’s four-year colleges, including Indiana University, Purdue, Ball State, and Indiana State University. Students completing associate degrees can often enter these universities with junior-year status, saving tens of thousands of dollars in tuition.
Campus Life and Student Support
While Ivy Tech is a commuter-based system without traditional dorms or athletic programs, students are supported through a wide range of services including academic advising, tutoring, disability services, food pantries, and mental health counseling. Many campuses also offer student clubs, leadership programs, and honor societies like Phi Theta Kappa.
Each campus maintains strong ties to its local community, often partnering with area high schools, workforce boards, chambers of commerce, and regional employers to ensure students are receiving training that leads to real opportunities.
Recognition and Financial Strength
In recent years, Ivy Tech has received multiple accolades:
- Named one of Indiana’s best employers by Forbes
- Recognized for military friendliness and support for adult learners
- Received an AA+ credit rating from Fitch Ratings, indicating financial stability and responsible investment in infrastructure and programming
Final Verdict: Should You Consider Ivy Tech?
Absolutely. Whether you’re seeking a short-term credential, an associate degree, or a debt-free pathway to a bachelor’s program, Ivy Tech offers unmatched value. Its extensive campus network, close ties to industry, low tuition, and growing transfer programs make it a strategic option for students of all ages and backgrounds.
For those interested in high-growth fields like nursing, medical assisting, dental assisting, cybersecurity, or advanced manufacturing, Ivy Tech delivers not just education—but a clear path to employment and upward mobility.
External Sources and References
- Ivy Tech Official Website: https://www.ivytech.edu/
Wiki references:
- “College Navigator – Ivy Tech Community College”. National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ Jump up to:a b c “Campus Information”. Ivy Tech. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
- ^ “Strengthening Indiana’s Community College System: A Report in Response to House Enrolled Act 1001-2015” (PDF). Indiana.gov. Indiana Commission for Higher Education. December 10, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
- ^ “Hoosier State Gets Coordinated”. Inside Higher Ed. 2008-05-16. Retrieved 2014-03-21.
- ^ Ivy Tech and UVA Announce Transfer Partnership, accessed April 30, 2019
- ^ “Programs by School – Ivy Tech Community College”. www.ivytech.edu. Ivy Tech Community College. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
