Reinforcing Vincennes University’s commitment to providing a high-quality education at great value for students and families, the VU Board of Trustees approved a modest tuition increase at its meeting on June 16 in Green Activities Center.
VU remains the lowest-priced residential college in Indiana and is significantly lower by several thousand dollars despite the increase. It also has the state’s second-lowest tuition rates.
A focus on keeping VU affordable and accessible for all persists especially due to the pandemic and the financial impact students and their families may be experiencing. In-state tuition will increase $200 in 2021-22, bringing the total to $6,450. The cost in 2022-23 will be $6,656.
At the same time, VU has increased scholarship aid to assist more students and has taken several bold measures to offset the cost of attending VU.
“The millions of dollars in enhanced scholarships are important to help us assist those who have been impacted by the pandemic and the challenges they may have faced in their family and financial circumstances. We hope these additional scholarships will encourage more students to take advantage of the great educational experiences that Vincennes University offers at all of our campuses and locations,†VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said.
As part of that initiative, nearly a half-million dollars has been allocated to additional scholarships for all University sites and locations across Indiana, online, and at military education locations.
The scholarship application deadline has also been extended to Sunday, Aug. 15 to allow more students to take advantage of available aid.
Another special scholarship initiative was launched specifically to help students on the
Vincennes Campus. Newly admitted students and eligible returning students can save up to $10,000 on University Housing. The Residential Opportunity Scholarship is worth up to $5,000 a year, renewable for two years of study.
VU and the Vincennes University Foundation awarded more than $4.2 million in scholarships for the 2020-21 academic year. On average, students received $3,447 over the academic year.
This year’s scholarship awards will be even greater. According to Johnson, with the new housing scholarship, the cost of attendance for a student living on the Vincennes Campus will be down 28 percent each of the next two years.
To help more individuals reach their potential and goal of earning a college degree, VU has partnered with the Pace Community Action Agency in Vincennes. To better serve VU students who are parents or guardians, the partnership provides free childcare through the Early Head Start and Head Start programs to children ages birth to 5 years old. This illustrates VU’s commitment to ensure everyone has access to greater opportunities.
“VU prides itself not on who we exclude, but all we include. The University provides outstanding and life-transforming opportunities for everyone. We want to make it even more affordable and accessible,†Johnson added.
In additional business, the Board of Trustees approved a general operating budget of $85.8 million for the 2021-22 fiscal year and $87.6 million for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
Updates were presented to the Board by Senior Director of External Relations Sarah Fortune, Director of Assessment Chad Bebee, and Senior Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research Dale Pietrzak.
According to Fortune, enrollment for Fall Semester 2021 looks optimistic as the projected incoming numbers are trending above this point last year. She recognizes that there are still two months to go in the recruiting season, and she remains cautiously optimistic. Fortune pointed out, “It’s not too late to apply for fall, and our Admissions team is ready to help new applicants enroll.â€
Fall Classes are scheduled to begin at VU on Monday, Aug. 16.
VU officials said they are planning for a return to vibrant campuses filled with people and buzzing with activity. VU plans to be back fully in person with face-to-face classroom and laboratory instruction. Student activities and residential experiences will also return to normal.
The University is not requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for students, faculty, and staff, but individuals are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.
Under current policy, individuals who have been fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks on VU campuses and sites, including inside VU facilities.
