VINCENNES, IND. – Vincennes University increased tuition and fees 3.75
percent today – the smallest percentage increase among all state-supported
universities in Indiana.
Tuition and fee increases already adopted or proposed at other
state-supported universities range from 5 percent to 3.9 percent.
“The tuition rates going forward are fair and reasonable,” said VU
President Dick Helton. “A lot of planning has gone into keeping our costs
down so that our tuition can continue to be among the lowest in the state.”
Under the new tuition and fee schedule, in-state students at VU will pay
$157 more per year – less than half the increases planned at Indiana
University, Purdue University, and Ball State University – and $122 less
than Indiana State University.
Also adopted today was a 4 percent increase in tuition and fees planned for
the 2010-11 academic year. Under the plan, VU’s tuition and fees for
in-state students for 2009-10 will be $4,360 and for 2010-11 will be
$4,534. Tuition and fees last year were $4,203.
Prior to adopting the tuition and fees for 2009-10 and 2010-11, the public
was invited to comment on the rates at a public hearing at the Vincennes
Campus that was also linked to the VU Jasper Campus and Aviation Technology
Center in Indianapolis. No one spoke against the proposal at any of the
three VU sites.
Phil Rath, vice president of Financial Services and Government Relations,
said the increase in student fees is needed for on-going operational costs,
including employee health insurance, repair and rehabilitation,
maintenance, utilities, and instructional technology.
Citing a comparison that includes both tuition and mandatory fees and room
and board rates, Rath said that VU will continue to be the most affordable
provider of higher education among residential campuses in the state.
Under this comparison, VU total fees will be $11,676 compared to $16,932 at
IU-Bloomington, $16,468 at Purdue-West Lafayette, $15,903 at BSU, $14,890
at ISU, and $12,283 at USI.
“The combined tuition increases at VU planned for the next two years will
not generate enough money to offset the cut in state appropriations. We
are going to have to look toward internal efficiencies and tighten our belt
just like the state has had to do. Enrollment is up significantly so we
are going to need everyone to serve a growing number of students,” Rath
said.
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY – Indiana’s First College
VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper and additional
sites such as the Indianapolis International Airport. VU also offers
instruction at military sites throughout the nation.
In addition to offering 200 associate degree and certificate programs, VU
also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security,
nursing, and secondary education programs in mathematics, science, and
special education.
VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 25 other states, and 37
foreign counties. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses
with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in
the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the
United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded
VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is
available at www.vinu.edu.
