Students interested in joining the first class of Founder’s College should apply by February 15, 2025, to take advantage of scholarship opportunities and priority access. Students get access to Butler University ‘s rigorous, high quality, best in class career-focused academic experiences with little to no debt.   

Designed for Indianapolis-area students, Founder’s College offers two-year associate degrees in Business Data Analytics, Business Management Studies, Healthcare Studies, and Youth and Community Advocacy. 

Putting Higher Education within Reach 

As Butler’s newest college, Founder’s College reimagines higher education by integrating real-world experiences, mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning to prepare students for in-demand careers. The college is designed for bold thinkers and problem-solvers, providing a supportive and immersive path to a Butler degree with an emphasis on industry relevant training, hands-on learning, wraparound early supports, and removing the randomness of student success. 

By applying by the priority deadline, students will: 

• ✔ Receive early consideration for admittance in the inaugural class 
• ✔ Get early support in building customized schedule and supports 
• ✔ Become—and celebrate becoming—a Butler Bulldog more quickly  

Who Should Apply? 

“High ability high school seniors who worry about paying for college but know a college education is life-changing should apply to Founder’s College at Butler University. We want those who are determined, academically ambitious, with personal agency, demonstrated grit, and have others who believe in them. Apply now. Deadline is February 15,” Inaugural Dean Carolyn Gentle-Genitty said. “Not only is this an affordable option for students from low wealth, it’s an opportunity for us to increase Indiana’s trained talent through their success.” 

A strong candidate for admission to Founders College will: 

• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and above 
• Be a current high school senior or have completed high school (or equivalent) within the past two years, with no more than 11 college credit hours completed 
• Demonstrate financial need 
• Live in Central Indiana and plan to commute to campus 
• Exhibit perseverance and grit in achieving their educational goals 
• Demonstrating a high level of financial need through the FAFSA (code 001788) or FAFSA alternative (code: 1073) is a prerequisite for admission, and applications will not be reviewed until a completed FAFSA is on file.  

Financial Aid & Support 

Founder’s College was intentionally designed for students with high ability and limited financial resources. Financial aid and scholarships will cover the two-year degree cost. Students will also receive a meal plan, books, and a laptop within their financial aid package. 

Honoring Butler’s Legacy 

Founder’s College is named in honor of Ovid Butler, Butler University’s abolitionist founder, reflecting the University’s historic commitment to expanding access to education. Established in 1855, Butler was founded to be free from the “pernicious influences of slavery.” From its inception, Butler admitted students of color and was the second university in the nation to admit women on an equal basis with men. Butler was also the first university in the U.S. to establish an endowed chair for a female professor. 

For more details and to apply, visit butler.edu/founders-college.