Ivy Tech vs Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis (LCT)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Ivy Tech Community College and Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis?

  Ivy Tech is a public, two-year community college offering a wide range of associate degrees and certificates, often serving as a stepping stone to a four-year university or direct entry into the workforce. Lincoln Tech is a private, for-profit institution focused on hands-on technical training in specific trades and industries, leading to diplomas and associate degrees designed for immediate employment.

• Which college is more affordable: Ivy Tech or Lincoln Tech?

  Generally, Ivy Tech is significantly more affordable than Lincoln Tech. As a public community college, Ivy Tech offers lower tuition rates, especially for in-state residents. Lincoln Tech, being a private institution, typically has higher tuition costs.

• What types of programs does Ivy Tech offer compared to Lincoln Tech?

  Ivy Tech offers a broad spectrum of programs, including liberal arts, business, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Lincoln Tech specializes in career-focused programs like automotive technology, welding, HVAC, and other skilled trades. If you're unsure of your career path or want a broader education, Ivy Tech might be a better fit. If you have a specific trade in mind, Lincoln Tech could be more suitable.

• What is the learning environment like at each college?

  Ivy Tech typically has larger class sizes and a more traditional academic environment, with a mix of lectures, discussions, and lab work. Lincoln Tech emphasizes hands-on training in smaller class settings, often simulating real-world work environments. Expect more direct, practical application of skills at Lincoln Tech.

• How do the career services at Ivy Tech and Lincoln Tech compare?

  Both colleges offer career services, but their focus differs. Ivy Tech provides general career counseling, resume assistance, and job placement support for a wide range of fields. Lincoln Tech's career services are tailored to the specific trades they teach, with strong industry connections and a focus on placing graduates in those fields. Lincoln Tech often boasts higher job placement rates in their specific areas of training.

• What are the admission requirements for Ivy Tech versus Lincoln Tech?

  Ivy Tech generally has more open admission policies, often requiring only a high school diploma or GED. Lincoln Tech may have more specific admission requirements depending on the program, potentially including entrance exams or interviews to assess aptitude and interest in the chosen trade.

• What is the typical length of programs at Ivy Tech and Lincoln Tech?

  At Ivy Tech, associate degree programs typically take two years to complete, while certificate programs can range from a few months to a year. Lincoln Tech's diploma programs can vary in length, often shorter than a full associate degree, while their associate degree programs are also typically two years. The program length at Lincoln Tech is often more compressed and intensive.

• Does either college offer online programs?

  Yes, both Ivy Tech and Lincoln Tech offer online programs. Ivy Tech has a more extensive online program catalog covering a wider variety of subjects. Lincoln Tech offers online options for some of its programs, often in a blended format with some on-campus components.

• Which college is better for transferring to a four-year university?

  Ivy Tech is generally a better option if you plan to transfer to a four-year university. Its curriculum is designed to align with the first two years of a bachelor's degree, and it has articulation agreements with many universities, making the transfer process smoother. While some Lincoln Tech credits may transfer, it's less common due to the more specialized nature of their programs.

• What kind of financial aid is available at each college?

  Both Ivy Tech and Lincoln Tech offer financial aid options, including federal grants (like Pell Grants), student loans, and scholarships. Ivy Tech, as a public institution, may have access to additional state-funded aid programs. Lincoln Tech also offers institutional scholarships and may have partnerships with industry organizations that provide financial assistance.

• How do the campuses and facilities compare?

  Ivy Tech has multiple campuses throughout Indiana, including several in the Indianapolis area, offering a more traditional college campus experience. Lincoln Tech's Indianapolis campus is specifically designed for hands-on technical training, featuring well-equipped labs and workshops that simulate real-world work environments for their specific trades.

• Which college is better for someone who wants to start working immediately after graduation?

  Lincoln Tech is generally better for someone who wants to start working immediately after graduation in a specific trade. Their programs are designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce directly. While Ivy Tech also offers career-focused programs, it also caters to students who plan to continue their education at a four-year university.