Richmond High School students ready to pursue a college degree at Indiana University East now have one less hurdle to think about.
During a surprise Oct. 10 presentation in the school’s Tiernan Center for sophomores, juniors and seniors, IU East representatives announced that all students with a 2.5 GPA or higher will be automatically admitted to the school’s undergraduate programs, according to a news release.
“On behalf of RHS, we are excited for our students to have the IU East Direct Admit incentive giving them the hope that college is a possibility and the motivation to not only meet, but also go above and beyond the GPA to qualify,” RHS principal Rae Ferriell-Woolpy said in the release.
IU East staff said in the announcement that they hope to help area students see a college degree as more achievable and accessible.
According to Forward Wayne County, as of 2024, 31% of Wayne County’s adults ages 25-64 have an associate’s degree or higher, and another 23% hold a certification of some kind. The organization tracks recent countywide efforts, including IU East, to increase degree attainment by opening up new options for students.
“The faculty and staff of IU East are deeply honored to strengthen our partnership with Richmond Community Schools through seamless admission for RHS students,” said Jerry Wilde, dean of the IUE School of Education, in the release. “This collaboration represents more than just access to higher education — it opens doors to a future where students can pursue their academic and professional dreams while minimizing financial barriers.”
More information is available during IUE admissions counselor visits to RHS, or online at east.iu.edu.
A version of this article appeared in the October 15 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.