How to Apply to Take Courses Only (not seeking a degree)
INVEST IN YOURSELF
TAKING A FOR-CREDIT COURSE
Working adults have multiple demands on their time, and completing a college degree or certificate may not be something you can consider at this point. At Ivy Tech, you can take one of our for-credit courses (or as many as you'd like!) without worrying about degree requirements. That gives you the freedom to take whichever courses you want (as long as you meet the prerequisite requirements) on your schedule.
Apply as "Courses Only"
If you are simply planning on taking a few classes at Ivy Tech, and aren’t seeking a degree or certificate, you will apply as a "Courses Only" student. Courses Only students apply to Ivy Tech using the general application.
Ivy Tech offers thousands of for-credit courses at 45 locations around the state and online each semester. Search our class schedules to see what's available for the upcoming term.
If you are currently enrolled at another four-year college and are planning to take a class at Ivy Tech and then transfer credits back to your home institution, you'll apply as a guest student (not a Courses Only student). See how to apply as a guest student
If you are simply planning on taking a few classes at Ivy Tech, and aren’t seeking a degree or certificate, you will apply as a "Courses Only" student in our general student application.
If you'd like to apply in person, reach out to your local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
What You'll Need to Apply
You'll want to have the following on hand when you fill out the Ivy Tech application.
Email address – personal email is preferred
Emergency contact information
Social Security Number (SSN)
Ivy Tech campus you’d like to attend
Also, if applicable:
High school or equivalency: school name and graduation date
Previous college: school name, start and end dates
Current employer information
Continuing a Saved Application
You can go back to finish an application you previously started at any time. We'll ask you to provide the email and the password you set up when you saved your application. We'll also email you a link to continue your saved application.
(2) On the second screen of the application, in the Ivy Tech Educational Objectives section, select the second choice, "My goal is to take a class(es) for college credit, but I am not interested in earning a certificate or degree at this time." (see screenshot below).
Assessment for Course Placement
After you submit your application, you'll see a screen where you can upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you.
None of the documents are required to apply, but uploading them when you apply can help you start classes as soon as possible. Documents for course placement must be within the last 4 years and can be unofficial.
Upload Course Placement Documents at Any Time During Your First Term
Don't have SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts at your fingertips? Don’t worry! Just go ahead and choose the option at the end of the application that says you'll submit them later. After you submit your application, we'll email you a secure link unique to you that will take you directly to your submitted application so you can add your test scores or transcripts when you're ready.
You can also go back to upload assessment documents using this link at any time. We'll ask you to provide the email and the password you set up when you saved your application.
You have until the end of the term for which you applied to return to your application and upload your assessment for course placement documents.
Look Out for an Email From Ivy Tech
Once your application processing is complete, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days. If it has been more than 10 business days since you applied and you have not yet received your acceptance letter, contact Admissions at 888-IVY-LINE (1-888-489-5463).
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
You May Receive a Call
In addition, you may receive a call from an enrollment specialist who will answer any questions you may have.
What is MyIvy?
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often, including:
Review the Ivy Tech Community College Acceptable Use Policy and click “I Agree”
Enter the requested information (your Ivy Tech email address can be found in the confirmation email you received after your application was processed)
Click “Get Started”
Enter your personal information (your student ID number is also called your C# number and can be found in the confirmation email you received after your application was processed)
Enter your personal email address and cell phone number for your validation code and choose your preferred method to receive your code
Once you receive your application confirmation email and have created your MyIvy account, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed within MyIvy. If you need assistance, your local admissions representative will help you register for classes.
You can also register for classes in person by visiting the local enrollment center at the campus to which you applied.
For additional information about how to register for classes, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
You are not required to meet with an advisor before registering for classes, but they are available if you need any help through the process. Find your advisor
Pay Your Tuition Online In MyIvy
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in your MyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
Ivy Tech does not have an application fee. You can apply for free at any time.
Tuition and Fees
It costs less than you think. At just $170.07 per credit hour — or $2,455.76 per semester — Ivy Tech is the lowest-cost higher education option in Indiana*. For a complete listing of Ivy Tech's current tuition rates for full-time and part-time students, per credit hour and flat rate, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in your MyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in MyIvy. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
Ivy Tech does not offer financial aid to "courses only" students. If you believe you are part of a program that allows you to use funds to cover the cost of a class, please contact the Financial Aid office at the campus to which you applied.
* Tuition costs per semester are shown for a full-time, Indiana resident. Total cost of attendance is estimated and includes tuition and some fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses.
Application Valid for 2 years
Your application is valid for 2 calendar years. If it has been 2 years since your initial application or two years since you have taken a class, you must complete a new application for admission. (For example, if you applied for fall 2020, that means you need to reapply for any term after fall 2022).
If you have been absent from Ivy Tech Community College for less than two years, you should be able to enroll in classes using your MyIvy account. If you have questions about what classes you should be taking, you should contact your academic advisor.
Please note, the processes above also apply to students that had to withdraw from the College due to a family emergency.
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. We offer five opportunities to start classes in January, March, June, August, and October. There is no hard deadline—you should choose the start date that works best for you. See upcoming start dates
Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year, so once accepted, you'll begin classes on the next term's start date. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the mandatory enrollment steps before you start classes. If you don't complete the admissions process by the start of the semester you will still be able to take classes.
Our eight-week sessions start throughout the year, so you have more opportunities to start classes. Every year, classes start in January, March, June, August, and October.
2023 8-Week Sessions Start Dates
Spring Session #1
Jan 17, 2023
Spring Session #2
Mar 20, 2023
Summer Session
June 5, 2023
Fall Session #1
Aug 21, 2023
Fall Session #2
Oct 23, 2023
If you are planning on taking a few classes and aren't seeking a degree or certificate from Ivy Tech, you could fit into a few different academic paths depending on your goals.
Compare your situation with those below to see which Ivy Tech admissions application you should use.
Which TYPE OF STUDENT WILL YOU BE?
GUEST STUDENT
COURSES ONLY
SKILLS TRAINING
Who It's For
Students who attend another college/university who want to take a class at Ivy Tech and transfer the credit back to their home college
Students seeking new knowledge, skills, or certifications but not currently interested in pursuing a college degree or certificate
Students seeking new knowledge, skills, or certifications
Don't need/want college credit
Type of Classes
For-credit classes
For-credit classes
Non-credit classes
Also may be called workforce training, employee training, or professional development classes
Grades
Yes
Yes
Not usually
What You Can Earn
Transfer credit for individual classes
College credit for individual classes
Can count toward a degree or certificate later if desired
Certificate of completion
Industry certification
May be able to count toward a degree or certificate*
A Good Fit If...
You want to save money by taking some gen ed courses at Ivy Tech
You need a prerequisite not currently offered at your school
You'd like a smaller setting for a challenging subject
You want to gain job skills
You plan to eventually earn a credit certificate or degree
You want to gain job skills or an industry certification
* Skills training classes do not earn you college credit on their own, but they may exempt you from needing to take a specific course as part of a for-credit program's curriculum in the future. In fact, many of Ivy Tech's non-credit skills training classes are designed to crosswalk into for-credit programs offered by Ivy Tech to give you credit for your prior learning; however, we cannot guarantee that other colleges and universities will accept non-credit, skills training classes as a substitute for one of their courses.
ANOTHER OPTION: Professional Development Classes
You might also consider our professional development classes, which provide flexible options for you to take non-credit classes to advance your job skills or get into the workforce quickly. Ivy Tech's professional development classes are open to anyone seeking professional or personal development.
No Need to Apply to Ivy Tech
Individuals may sign up to take any one of Ivy Tech's non-credit professional development classes—no need to apply to Ivy Tech. Students can pay for the class on their own or submit the cost for reimbursement if their employer has a tuition reimbursement plan.
Ivy Tech offers hundreds of non-credit professional development courses around the state and online each semester. Classes are designed to support the growth of key Indiana economic sectors and community needs and focused on developing skills or earning certifications in the following areas:
Safety
Truck Driving
Healthcare
Information Technology
Business/Human Resources
Manufacturing
Boiler Training
High School Equivalency
Personal Enrichment
QUESTIONS?
Contact Admissions
If you have questions about classes or need help with any part of the application process, reach out to your local admissions representative who will be happy to assist you.
