About Vincennes University
Vincennes University serves 3,739 students in a small Indiana town, making it one of the oldest community colleges in the country since its founding in 1801. The school specializes in career-focused programs that get students into the workforce quickly, with particular strength in technical fields, healthcare, and business. Most students come from Indiana (90.10% are in-state), and the remote setting creates a tight-knit campus where students know their professors and classmates well.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a community college education. Students pay an average net price of $10,215 after aid, with those from lower-income families ($0-30K) paying just $6,472. Graduates earn a median of $41,110 ten years after starting college, and they leave with relatively low debt at $12,000 median. With monthly loan payments of just $127, most graduates can manage their debt load while building careers.
The school focuses heavily on getting students jobs, with a 95.5% employment rate showing that local employers value Vincennes graduates. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than you'd find at smaller schools, but the Trailblazers compete in eight NJCAA sports if you want campus activities beyond academics.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a community college education. Students pay an average net price of $10,215 after aid, with those from lower-income families ($0-30K) paying just $6,472. Graduates earn a median of $41,110 ten years after starting college, and they leave with relatively low debt at $12,000 median. With monthly loan payments of just $127, most graduates can manage their debt load while building careers.
The school focuses heavily on getting students jobs, with a 95.5% employment rate showing that local employers value Vincennes graduates. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than you'd find at smaller schools, but the Trailblazers compete in eight NJCAA sports if you want campus activities beyond academics.
Academics & Faculty
Vincennes University operates as a community college with some four-year programs, serving 3,739 students with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio that means larger class sizes and less individual attention than typical four-year schools. The school is known for its career-focused programs in aviation, technology, and health sciences, plus it offers pathway programs for students planning to transfer to four-year universities. With a 34.7% six-year graduation rate and 51.7% retention rate, many students either transfer before completing degrees here or need extra time to finish. The school works well for students who want affordable career training or need a stepping stone to a larger university, but expect to be more independent in your learning.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 25:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 21.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 34.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 34.7%
- Retention Rate
- 51.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,110
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $64,493 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $63,328 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,053 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $46,738 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,844 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $41,342 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $41,295 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $39,729 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $39,729 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $38,829 |
Campus Life
Vincennes sits in a small Indiana town about two hours from Indianapolis, where winters mean heavy coats and summers get sticky. With housing for 1,313 students and total enrollment of 3,739, about 35% of students live on campus in a close-knit community. The 51.72% retention rate suggests many students transfer after completing their associate degrees or career programs here.
Campus life moves at a slower pace than big universities. The 8 varsity sports teams compete in NJCAA with 142 total athletes, creating a tight sports community where everyone knows the players. Weekends often center around Trailblazers games, trips to nearby Vincennes State Historic Sites, or hanging out in residence halls. With 90.10% of students from Indiana, most go home frequently or have friends visit from nearby towns. The small size means professors know your name with that 25:1 student-faculty ratio, but it also means limited nightlife options. Students create their own fun through clubs, intramural sports, or drives to Evansville for bigger city entertainment.
Campus life moves at a slower pace than big universities. The 8 varsity sports teams compete in NJCAA with 142 total athletes, creating a tight sports community where everyone knows the players. Weekends often center around Trailblazers games, trips to nearby Vincennes State Historic Sites, or hanging out in residence halls. With 90.10% of students from Indiana, most go home frequently or have friends visit from nearby towns. The small size means professors know your name with that 25:1 student-faculty ratio, but it also means limited nightlife options. Students create their own fun through clubs, intramural sports, or drives to Evansville for bigger city entertainment.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,313 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1801
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–38°F
- July Avg
- 66°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- -770.0"
Student Demographics
Vincennes University draws students who want to stay close to home while getting affordable career training. With 90% of students from Indiana, this is clearly a regional school that serves local families looking for practical education without the debt load of a four-year university. The nearly even gender split reflects the school's mix of programs, from traditional trades that attract more men to health sciences and business that draw more women. Students here are typically first-generation college goers from small Indiana towns who value hands-on learning over theoretical academics.
- Men
- 51.9%
- Women
- 48.1%
- White
- 74.2%
- Black
- 7.5%
- Hispanic
- 8.6%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 90.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 9.4%
Location
Vincennes sits in southwestern Indiana, about 120 miles from Indianapolis and 60 miles from Evansville. This historic town of 17,000 people sits along the Wabash River near the Illinois border. With 90.10% of students coming from in-state, most know they're getting small-town college life in one of Indiana's oldest settlements. The area feels genuinely rural, surrounded by farmland and forests, though the presence of 3,739 college students gives downtown Vincennes more energy than typical towns this size. The campus housing capacity of 1,313 means many students live right in town, creating a close-knit community feel. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Vincennes University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Vincennes, Indiana 47591
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,110
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,108
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 41.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Vincennes University?
Vincennes University operates as a community college with open admission policies, meaning qualified applicants are generally accepted. The school serves 3,739 students and draws heavily from Indiana, with 90.10% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Vincennes University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $10,215 annually at Vincennes University. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $6,472, making it one of the most affordable college options in Indiana.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Vincennes University?
Vincennes University maintains a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, which is higher than many four-year institutions. The school focuses on practical, career-oriented programs that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation.
What are the graduation rates at Vincennes University?
The four-year graduation rate at Vincennes University is 34.07%, with a six-year rate of 34.70%. Despite modest graduation rates, graduates earn a median salary of $41,110 ten years after enrollment, and 95.5% find employment.
Does Vincennes University offer on-campus housing?
Vincennes University provides housing for 1,313 students on campus, with room and board costing $12,708 annually. The campus sits in a remote town setting in southwestern Indiana, creating a close-knit community atmosphere.
What makes Vincennes University historically significant?
Founded in 1801, Vincennes University claims to be America's first junior college. The school has operated for over 220 years in Indiana's first territorial capital, maintaining its mission of providing accessible higher education to working-class students.
