Honors College

The HONORS Program is for students with a passion for learning and who want more from their college experience more challenges, more opportunities and more connections with fellow students and professors.  It is designed to develop the abilities and potential of highly motivated students as they begin their academic studies and prepare to transfer to a four-year college or university.

HONORS students can expand their academic skills, explore new directions, develop creativity and leadership, and join a community of learners. HONORS students benefit from:

• Least expensive honors program in the state; There is no additional cost to apply for the Ivy Tech's HONOR program and Ivy Tech's tuition is nearly half the cost of other state schools
• Smaller class sizes, with more direct contact and mentoring from the faculty
• Priority registration, HONORS students can register for courses sooner than other students
• Special advisors assigned to HONORS students for assistance with academic advising and registration
• Distinct HONORS diploma and HONORS courses are clearly marked on the transcript and add distinction to university and employment applications
• The opportunity to participate in travel/global experiences, extending their education beyond the classroom
• Leadership and community service opportunities
• Assistance with transferring to honors programs at four-year colleges and universities
• Assistance with applying for scholarships
  

HONORS courses are designed to encourage students to examine their ways of thinking and to help them develop leadership, critical thinking skills and global awareness.  HONORS courses may include additional reading/writing assignments and extracurricular learning opportunities.

All HONORS students are required to take IVYT 171: Student Leadership, as well as HONORS sections of core classes, such as English, Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences and HONORS electives.  As HONORS students near graduation, they will be required to take HONR 279, the HONORS capstone course, which will require a research project/thesis.

High School Graduate or Ivy Tech/Transfer Students (with less than 12 college-level credit hours)

• A minimum un-weighted cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 or weighted minimum cumulative GPA of 3.8 AND
• Combined SAT score of 1800 (or ACT score of 26) AND
• COMPASS minimum test scores of:
  • Writing 80 (required)
  • Reading 90 (required)
  • Mathematics 66 Algebra or 0-45 College Algebra (Preferred)

Current Ivy Tech or Transfer Students (with at least 12 credit hours)

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
• Fewer than four course withdrawals within the past two years
• Must have completed at least 12 hours of college-level coursework including ENGL 111 or its equivalent
• Two letter of recommendation

Early Admission

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
• Must have completed at least 9 college-level credits
• Combined SAT score of 1800 (or ACT score of 26) AND
•  COMPASS minimum test scores of:
  • Writing 80 (required)
  • Reading 90 (required)
  • Mathematics 66 Algebra or 0-45 College Algebra (Preferred)
• Permission from the Director of Ivy Tech K-12 program and high school principal/guidance counselor
  

• Complete the Ivy Tech application at ivytech.edu/applynow (new or transfer students only)
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Complete the HONORS Application Packet, which includes:
  • HONORS application (Click here to download the HONORS application )
  • Copy of final high school transcript
  • Copy of college transcript(s) (if applicable)
  • Copy of SAT/ACT and COMPASS test scores (if applicable)
  • 500-word, typed essay
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • One from a current/recent teacher or faculty member
    • One from any of the following: guidance counselor, 2nd current/recent teacher/faculty member, supervisor/employer, community or religious leader