Program Overview

Introduction to the NEST Program

The NEST program, which stands for Navigating the Enrolled Student Transition, is a transitional pathway designed for students to immerse themselves in the Ball State community. This program allows students to take courses at Ivy Tech Community College Muncie, gaining the necessary credits to transfer to Ball State as full-time students the following year.

Program Details

• The NEST program provides a unique opportunity for students to be involved in student success programming at both Ball State University and Ivy Tech.
• Students in the NEST program will live in residence halls alongside other Ball State students and participate in campus community activities, with the exception of fraternities and sororities.
• Completion of the NEST program with a GPA of 2.5 or better guarantees admission to Ball State as a transfer student for Fall 2026.

Commuter Eligibility

• Students accepted into the NEST program who reside within a 30-mile radius of Ball State may choose between living on campus or commuting.
• All students are expected to utilize the academic support resources and activities on both campuses.
• Changes in residence may impact NEST commuting eligibility.

Key Benefits

• Live on Ball State's campus
• Complete core college requirements
• Pay Ivy Tech tuition rates
• Full-time support staff dedicated to student success
• Guaranteed admission to Ball State in 2026, requiring satisfactory completion of all NEST programming, including a GPA of 2.5 or higher

Program Costs

• NEST students are charged the cost of tuition and fees at Ivy Tech as full-time students, paid to Ivy Tech Community College Muncie.
• Students are also charged by Ball State for room and board, as well as the cost of taking one class each semester on campus at a per credit hour cost of an Ivy Tech course.
• All fees not related to the course or room and board are waived for NEST students, but these waivers do not apply once a student officially transfers to Ball State.

Coursework

• As part of the NEST program, students complete the Indiana College Core (ICC) certificate with Ivy Tech.
• The ICC certificate covers 30 of the 36 general education core curriculum requirements by the end of the academic year.
• Students work with Ball State and Ivy Tech advisors to complete ICC courses that also serve as prerequisites for their intended major.

Program Admission

• The NEST program is available by invitation only for students who meet specific requirements in the First-Year Student application process.
• The program has been placed on hold for the upcoming academic year, with interested students encouraged to explore the Transfer Flight Path form as an alternative.