Indiana has spent the last decade rethinking what education looks like, not just in schools for students but all the way through professional careers for adults. From expanded career and technical education in high schools to varying degree paths for working adults, there are more ways than ever to level up your education in the Hoosier State.
Improving the Foundation
Let’s start with the basics. Indiana has invested heavily in literacy initiatives, aiming to get every student reading proficiently by third grade, and has expanded computer science and career and technical education (CTE) offerings in high schools across the state. These programs let high school students earn industry certifications or dual college credit before graduation, giving them a head start into the workforce or on their journey to earning a two- or four-year degree.
Apprenticeships are another piece of the puzzle. Employers are more connected with high schools and community colleges than ever before, offering structured, paid pathways into skilled trades and technical fields. These are real jobs with real wages.
Community Colleges and Workforce Training
Short-term certificates in fields like healthcare, IT, and advanced manufacturing let adults reskill or upskill in months, not years. Programs like the Workforce Ready Grant have made many of these certifications tuition-free for eligible Hoosiers, which removes one of the biggest barriers to getting started. Accessibility matters because leveling up education isn't only about traditional degrees. It's about giving people practical, fast paths to better jobs and higher wages, especially in a state where manufacturing, logistics, and life sciences drive the economy.
Four-Year Degrees and Beyond
Bachelor's and graduate degrees hold a prominent place for career growth, and Indiana's universities have worked to make them more flexible. Online and hybrid programs have opened doors for thousands of students.
This is where graduate business education deserves a special mention, and where Indiana University's Kelley School of Business has built something for working professionals.
The Kelley Evening MBA
If you already work full-time and are wondering how to take the next step in your career without putting your life on pause, the Kelley Evening MBA is worth a close look. It's ranked the #1 Part-Time MBA in Indiana, and it's designed for people who are balancing careers, families, and drive all at once.
What sets the Kelley Evening MBA apart is the connections students make with a network of Hoosier professionals who become immediate resources. Coursework is designed to give practical tools that can be applied the next day at work.
Learn more at go.iu.edu/Eveningmba.
