Last updated: October 9, 2026. Indiana had the nation's second federally approved Workforce Pell program. For 2026–27, the state is running a pilot limited to its two public two-year institutions (Indiana CHE). For how the grant works nationally, see our Workforce Pell Grant guide.
ED-approved programs in Indiana
| College | Program | Length | Approved by ED | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College | Clinical Medical Assistant | 8 weeks | Aug 19, 2026 | ED press release |
ED: "Eligible students at Ivy Tech Community College can now use federal Pell Grant dollars to enroll in its Clinical Medical Assistant program, an 8-week program that prepares students for careers in key healthcare professions" (ED). The Indiana Commission for Higher Education lists the same program under "Workforce Pell Eligible Programs" (Indiana CHE).
No other Indiana program appears on an ED release or on the state's eligible list as of this update.
Who runs Workforce Pell in Indiana
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) works with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, "in consultation with the State Workforce Board." A joint committee recommends programs to the Governor. "Upon approval, the Governor will certify to the U.S. Department of Education that the program meets eligibility for Workforce Pell," and ED then makes the final determination (Indiana CHE).
2026–27 pilot: "Indiana will limit Workforce Pell program applications to its public two-year institutions – Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University." The state "intends to open the application process to all eligible institutions after the pilot phase has concluded (early to mid-2027)" (Indiana CHE).
Indiana's program rules say programs run "between 150 and 599 clock hours or between 4 and 15 credit hours, with a program length between 8 and 14 weeks," must meet 70% completion and 70% job-placement standards, and must "pass a tuition to value-added earnings test" (Indiana CHE).
Official page: in.gov/che/.../workforce-pell
How Indiana students apply
CHE: "Students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming academic year and demonstrate financial need to qualify for Federal Workforce Pell." Students "should contact the financial aid office at the institution offering the Workforce Pell program" (Indiana CHE).
CHE also notes that awards "are prorated based on the program length and count toward a student's lifetime Federal Pell Grant eligibility units." It says students "cannot receive both regular Pell and Workforce Pell at the same time," and that students with a bachelor's degree may be eligible but those with a graduate degree are not (Indiana CHE). These match federal law (P.L. 119-21, §401(k)).