Ball State University and Ivy Tech Introduce NEST Dual Enrollment Program

Ball State University and Ivy Tech Community College in Muncie have launched a dual-enrollment partnership to offer students a transitional pathway to a bachelor’s degree. 

Navigating the Enrolled Student Transition (NEST) is a dual-enrollment program in which select high school students who have applied to Ball State, but have not yet been accepted, will enroll at Ivy Tech in Muncie and live in Ball State residence halls. Participating students will take general education and pre-requisite courses at Ivy Tech’s Muncie campus and take one class per semester at Ball State. 

Students who complete the NEST program with a GPA of 2.5 or better will complete their Indiana College Core requirements and earn guaranteed admission to Ball State, where they will continue their academic journey by achieving a two-year associate’s degree from Ivy Tech and, ultimately, a four-year bachelor’s degree from Ball State. 

The inaugural cohort of NEST students will begin the program in the Fall 2022 semester. 

“I am grateful to Ivy Tech for this partnership, which provides a transitional pathway for students to fully immerse themselves in our campus communities while gaining the credits needed to seamlessly transfer to Ball State as a full-time student in good standing the following year,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “The NEST program is an innovative way to attract students to Muncie and Delaware County. It is yet another example of Ball State working with partners across the state to actively engage with students to stay in Indiana and earn their college education.” 

Jeffrey S. Scott, chancellor of Ivy Tech’s Muncie campus, said the NEST program aligns with Ivy Tech’s outcome-driven core values that focus on student success, educational attainment, collaboration with educational partners, and culture of inclusion. 

“This is an innovative guaranteed transfer program in that students can live in Ball State’s dormitories, attend classes at our beautiful, state-of-the-art facilities in downtown Muncie, and have the college experience that both institutions offer,” Chancellor Scott said. “Our NEST students will have the opportunity to complete, at a minimum, the Indiana College Core by the end of the first year. This collaboration is yet another example of how Muncie institutions are working together to do the right things for the right reasons. Ball State and Ivy Tech Muncie are committed to student engagement and success as well as community partnerships.” 

Through the NEST program, students will be connected to a support team that includes Ivy Tech transfer advocates and Ball State transfer advisors, student success coaches, and academic advisors. Participating students will be advised on course selection to complete the Indiana College Core and provided proactive support to ensure strong academic performance. 

NEST students will live in residence halls alongside other Ball State students and can participate in most campus community activities, providing a positive incorporation into campus life. 

“At Ball State, we are proud to partner with Ivy Tech to support the academic success and personal growth of our students through safe, comfortable, affordable, and diverse living and learning communities,” said Paula Luff, vice president for enrollment planning and management at Ball State. “Living on campus can be one of the most rewarding experiences a student has during their time at Ball State, and the NEST program is a great way to bridge the gap academically while getting involved in numerous activities within our University community.”