IVY TECH - BLOOMINGTON MAKES LIST OF FASTEST GROWING IN NATION
December 5 , 2005      

Bloomington, Indiana. Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington ranked 17th among the 50 fastest growing community colleges in the nation with enrollments between 2,500 to 4,999, according to Community College Week, a national higher education periodical.

The rankings are based on information received from the National Center for Education Statistics and reflect growth through the fall 2004 semester. In the fall of 2005, Ivy Tech - Bloomington grew even faster with a 12% increase in headcount and a 13.8% increase in full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment. Ivy Tech - Bloomington led the Ivy Tech system in growth for the fall 2005 semester.

Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington Chancellor John Whikehart says the local growth reflects changes in how the Bloomington campus is perceived by the community, growing collaboration with Indiana University in degree articulation and transfer of credits, the addition of several academic programs in the last few years, and access to affordable higher education for Indiana students. "Students realize they can attend Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington and complete a two-year degree that prepares them for either workforce entry or an opportunity for transfer to a four year program. Our growth mirrors our transformation to a comprehensive community college."

Several other Ivy Tech campuses were included in the Community College Week report (pages from the report are attached to this release). Ivy Tech Community College has seen tremendous growth statewide, increasing its enrollment in each of the last 11 years, and by a total of 84 percent from 1994-2004. Ivy Tech Community College is the state's second largest public post-secondary institution with more than 73,000 students. Ivy Tech has 14 regions throughout Indiana and serves as the engine of workforce development in the state, offering degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.