The campus serves as a feeder source for the health programs approved at the Gary and Valparaiso campuses. Due to the industrial nature of the area, the campus focuses on programs in applied sciences, technology and computer that meets the skills training needs of the local economy. New programs are added as the community and industrial landscape change and areas of opportunity develop. The recent addition of a Mortuary Science program at the East Chicago De La Garza campus will be one of three in the State of Indiana and one of only 50 nationwide.

The East Chicago campus has a unique relationship with the School City of East Chicago, which has fostered a partnership through the Tech Prep program. This program allows high school students to take college courses and earn dual high school/college credit.