The Indiana College Core is a block of 30 credit hours of general education college-level coursework that transfers seamlessly among all Indiana public colleges and universities.

Who should earn the Indiana College Core?

High school students who are planning to enroll in college after graduation.

• Students should talk to their school counselors about whether the
• Indiana College Core is the right choice for them—based on availability
• at their high school, their expected major and the colleges where they
• might enroll.

Hoosiers entering college who aren’t sure what major to pursue.

• The Indiana College Core is a good option for Hoosiers who are entering college at an Indiana public institution who aren’t sure which major to declare. Because the Core is 30-credit hours of general education courses, it will transfer into and support students on their way to most degrees.

These are classes taken at a school that could count for college credit.

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor of secondary schools, colleges, and the College Board. Research shows that students enrolling in challenging academic courses are far better prepared for serious academic work when entering college. 

Most colleges and universities grant credit and/or advanced placement to students who

perform satisfactorily on AP examinations. Each May, the College Board AP examinations are offered at HCS. If a student enrolls in an AP course, they will take the corresponding AP examination.

Dual credit courses provide opportunities for qualified students to earn college credit from a regionally accredited institution while attending high school.

These courses will enable you to meet the dual credit requirements for a Core 40 with Technical Honors or Core 40 with Academic Honors diploma and receive college credit, too.

Dual credit courses can be taken at your high school or at a college campus and can be taught by regular high school faculty or college faculty. These courses and grades become part of your academic record and can potentially impact your college grade point average (GPA) and financial aid eligibility.

CTE combines academic content with the relevant technical knowledge and skills needs to prepare for further education and/or careers. CTE has traditionally been focused on many careers in the trades (welding, construction, etc.), but today’s program options are much more expansive. Programming is available in business, information technology, healthcare, STEM, and many other fields.

CTE programs all have a focus on providing instruction through real-world, applied settings and often include the opportunity to earn college credit and college credentials, and to participate in work-based learning.