Ancilla College (AC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Since its founding in 1937, Ancilla College has served the community of Donaldson, Indiana. Today a co-educational institution, the college was founded by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, a Catholic community of Sisters, as an extension of DePaul University. The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, founded in the mid 1800s, form part of an international religious congregations with members in Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, England, India, Brazil, Nigeria, Kenya and the United States. It wasn’t until 1966 that Ancilla began to accept students from the public as a liberal arts community college, and it has operated as a two-year private liberal arts college since. Set amongst 1,000-acres of northern Indiana’s rolling grounds, and scenic lakes and cornfields, this 550 student community college shares space with the American headquarters of the Sisters of the Poor Handmaids.

Information Summary

Ranks 49th in Indiana and 1978th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	63.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$28,890
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	20 / 1010
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	17 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	39% / 33%
Enrollment Total (all students)	415

Academics

Students may choose from 17 separate academic programs, with a strong foundation in general education to prepare students for either entry-level careers, or transfer to a four-year program. Academic services like free tutoring and advising are provided, as are career development, the Gerald J. Ball Library, and classroom technologies to ensure student success. Programs of study are divided into four academic divisions: the division of history, behavioral science, education and business; the division of humanities, the division of nursing and health sciences; and the division of sciences, mathematics, and information technology. Associate degrees may be earned in business administration, criminal justice, early childhood education, nursing, and professional health studies.

Students may elect bachelor degree awarding programs business management with a concentration in human resources management, or criminal justice with a minor in paralegal and prelaw studies through the Calumet College of St. Joseph, or participate in college transfer coursework like athletic training, biochemistry, fitness studies, environmental science, and sport marketing and management. A certificate program in church organist is also offered.

Any student who is not ready to select a specific program of study may enter the General Education Program and elect between an associate of arts, or associate of science general studies degree. All students will also complete and electronic student portfolio in order to best exemplify the work undertaken during their degree or certificate studies. Student portfolios provide valuable material when applying for jobs or admissions to four-year post-secondary institutions.

Through the Department of Continuing and Professional Education, quality programs are developed to further the progress and training of local business and industry. Courses range from drawing and painting, real estate salesperson, and computer training, to church organist. Online programs are also available. Students may work at their own pace to complete courses like general psychology and introduction to sociology.

The curriculum is designed to be fully transferable in terms of content and credit hours to accredited four-year colleges and Universities. Ancilla has articulation agreements with Ball State University Bethel College, Indiana State University, Indiana University South Bend, Indiana Wesleyan University, Manchester College, Marian College, Purdue University North Central, Saint Mary’s College, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, St. Joseph’s College, Calumet College of St. Joseph and Valparaiso University. Several 2 + 2 agreements have also been arranged with four-year institutions Davenport University, Trine University, and Purdue University Northwest in a range of majors. Students participating in 2 + 2 programs may transfer seamlessly into a specific major at such designated colleges and universities.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Indiana State Board of Nursing.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

All applicants are evaluated on an individual basis. Admissions are reserved for those demonstrating potential for success, and all students are admitted to the general freshman program. Students must have graduated from high school, home schooling, or equivalent such as a passing score on the GED diploma, meet Federal Ability to Benefit Guidelines through placement scores, or be a transfer student.

First time freshman must submit an official copy of high school, home school transcript, or GED scores; SAT/ACT scores if available; a completed application; and must complete a placement exam.

Transfer students must submit official copies of all previous college transcripts, the completed application, and (in some cases) take a placement exam.

Students may apply directly online via the “Apply Now” button to the online application. Other materials should be sent separately to the Office of Admissions. Students may also drop off or mail in a paper application with all required materials. Review materials are available for students taking placement exams.

Financial Aid

Students interested in qualifying for financial aid must fill out the FAFSA, and may qualify for federal and state grants, loans, work study and/or scholarship opportunities. Students may use the Expected Family Contribution calculator on the college’s website to determine an estimated amount for family contribution. Scholarships are awarded in the amount of at least $400,000 annually. Freshman and transfer scholarship opportunities include the Ancilla Transfer Scholarship, Athletic Awards, the PACE Scholarship, the Mary H. Swanson Nursing Scholarship, the Sister Victoriana Memorial Scholarship, and many more. Continuing students may qualify for the Bowen Scholarship, the Academic Dean’s Scholarship, the Osborn/Butler Scholarship, and/or the UPS Scholarship amongst others.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3761st for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Indiana.

Students

Students are encouraged to participate in student events, organizations and activities to promote social networking, leadership skill building, and spirituality. Some such opportunities include athletics, the Student Newspaper, Student Government, and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Rooted in Catholic tradition, the college is open and accepting to students of all beliefs and faith traditions. Religious programs and services include, but are not limited to, faith-sharing groups, individual counseling and spiritual direction, courses in religion, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Student services are provided by the Office of Student Development, Academic Advising, and Academic Skills Help. Academic skills assistance is provided by way of Mentoring at Ancilla College, Learning Assistance, the STEP first semester program, and the College 101 Freshman Seminar.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

Ancilla fields competitive intercollegiate sports teams in baseball, cheerleading, golf, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball. As a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, and the Michigan Community College Athletic Association, the Chargers enjoy highly competitive sport. Students participating in athletics must maintain a 1.75 GPA for their first semester, and a 2.0 GPA with a credit hour minimum throughout the first year.

Ancilla College