Indiana State University
PA-7: Affordability and Access

Indiana State University has embraced the mission as a public institution and has striven in recruitment and retention activities to matriculate low income, and first generation students. The State of Indiana has provided access and support for low income students through the 21st Century Scholars Program. 

ISU has the University College which is a first year program with centralized advising for students. The University College is very proactive in sharing the best practices for instructors of all students and specifically our students that are 60% first generation students and often from low-income backgrounds. ISU has long been the school of choice for low-income students and our administration works hard to serve those students well and prepare faculty to work with a range of student backgrounds. 

The University College includes extensive advising for all students even using intrusive advising to try to reach students that are struggling in their first years. ISU's LEAP program is a summer bridge program that provides instruction in the basic skills needed to succeed in college. In addition to receiving this preparation, students who successfully complete LEAP will earn 3 college credits. This 3-week residential program provides the following benefits: Establish Relationships, Students will meet other students, ISU staff, and Faculty, Develop crucial skills that enhance college success, students will learn how to navigate the ocllege environment and will develop skills associated with college success, Earn college credit, Students will enroll in a freshmen-level course that earns college credit, Increase chances of persisting to sophomore year, Students who have completed the program in the past are more likely to remain enrolled in college for their sophomore year, Increase chances of completing a degree, and Students who complete summer enrichment programs like LEAP have higher graduation rates than those who do not participate. ISU’s LEAP program is a summer bridge program that provides instruction in the basic skills needed to succeed in college. In addition to receiving this preparation, students who successfully complete LEAP will earn 3 college credits. This 3-week residential program provides the following benefits: Establish Relationships: Students will meet other students, ISU staff, and faculty and have relationships in place when the academic year begins. Develop Crucial Skills That Enhance College Success Students will learn how to navigate the college environment and will develop skills associated with college success. Earn College Credit Students will enroll in a freshmen-level course that earns college credit. Increase Chances of Persisting to Sophomore Year Students who have completed the program in the past are more likely to remain enrolled in college for their sophomore year. Increase Chances of Completing a Degree Students who complete summer enrichment programs like LEAP have higher graduation rates than those who do not participate.

"We have a 21st Century Scholars program which focuses on high performing low-income students and making college affordable for them. This program has been a strong success on campus. In addition, scholarship awards, which also incorporate merit, are awarded to these identified students to further support their financial needs in addition to the monies made available through the 21st Century Scholars program. Additional information about specific scholarships can be found at: http://www.indstate.edu/scholarships/freshman/twenty-first-excellence.htm http://www.indstate.edu/scholarships/freshman/twenty-first-housing.htm http://www.indstate.edu/scholarships/freshman/ ISU also has a scholarship program called STATE Works for students with unmet financial need and an expressed interest in campus employment. The program provides participants with a $1,000 textbook award per year and matches them with a campus job. Our student employment area works with each university division to identify existing student jobs across campus that are suitable for the STATE Works program. "

There are fee waivers for identified 21st Century Scholars and other identified student populations allow for accessible application for admission. Strategic recruitment efforts involve participation in the annual College Go week! Program. This state-wide sponsored initiative is designed to encourage awareness, access and opportunity for underrepresented students to consider and learn about higher education. Indiana State university has extended this traditional one week program to four weeks (the month of September annually) in an effort to welcome and promote higher education access to low income students.

The College Challenge Program is a cooperative agreement between Indiana State University and participating high schools that enables high school students to earn college credit in courses taught at their local high schools. The program is designed for high school students, typically juniors and seniors, who have a desire for more advanced course work. Students in the program earn college and high school credit simultaneously for each course successfully completed. College Challenge courses are taught by high school teachers who have been approved to teach college-level courses by Indiana State University. Courses are conveniently taught within a typical high school setting so students do not have to attend class outside school hours. Courses are taught at a special, reduced tuition rate of $25 per credit hour.

Every fall and spring we award ten $550.00 scholarships to commuter students. These scholarships are available to students at the sophomore level and above. Students are able to re-apply for the Commuter Scholarship every semester that they are eligible. Charles and Phyllis Campbell Memorial Scholarship, along with the Dwaine and Martha Woolsey Scholarship, consider an ISU student is enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences as a full or part-time student , is non-traditional and in good standing, with a preference given to students over the age of 25. Transfer students are eligible and preference is given to students with financial need.

ISU's ECEC is designed as a comprehensive child care/child development center to serve the children, 6 weeks to 5 years, of ISU students, faculty, staff members, and community families. An additional feature of its design is to provide an exemplary child care program for academic research and training. This program is designed for children whose parents/guardians have work or school obligations. We are ACCREDITED by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and licensed by the Department of Family and Children Services of the State of Indiana. The program is affiliated with the ISU Bayh College of Education and the department Elementary, Early and Special Education> providing quality care for children ranging from 6 weeks - 5 years of age.

The ACE (Adult Career Education) Bachelor Degree Completion Program is designed to address the needs of working adults, or adults seeking employment, who want to complete college degrees in a customized area of study. Students completing this program will earn a Baccalaureate Degree in Adult Career Education (ACE). ACE provides a flexible, convenient, and individualized approach to education for adult students who have earned approximately 60 college credits. The online core program is delivered in accelerated eight-week courses. Our advisors will help students identify prior learning experiences that may qualify for college credit, including military training, non-collegiate sponsored training, proficiency exams and work experiences. Resources and support for online learning are built into the program because each student's success from day one is paramount.