Vincennes University
Vincennes University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Vincennes University at a Glance
Vincennes University (VU) is a public college with its main campus in Vincennes, Indiana, United States. Founded in 1801 as Jefferson Academy, VU is the oldest public institution of higher learning in Indiana. It was chartered in 1806 as the Indiana Territory's four-year university and remained the state of Indiana's sole public university until the establishment of Indiana University in 1820. VU was rechartered as a two-year university in 1889 and began offering bachelor's degrees in 2005.
1801
225 years old
18,438
722
Identity
Is Vincennes University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Vincennes University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $41,110 — 24% below average — while paying $11,225/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 37% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Vincennes University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Vincennes University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in IN
Ranked #136 of 215 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #136 | Vincennes University | 34 | $11,225 | $41,110 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Vincennes University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 8 in IN.
Best Programs at Vincennes University
The highest-earning program at Vincennes University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $29,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Vincennes University earns $54,900, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $29,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $26,270 in median debt vs. $23,211 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $11,225/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $54,900 | $54,900 | $26,270 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $36,400 | $36,400 | $19,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $32,900 | $32,900 | $28,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $29,800 | $29,800 | $23,211 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Vincennes, IN
- Student Body
- 3,657 students
- Graduation Rate
- 37%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,225
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,110
- Median Student Debt
- $12,000