Why Choose Early College

To put this simply, it’s an amazing opportunity! Imagine being able to start college while you’re still in high school and still having time for all the things that make high school what it is and whatever makes you you. That’s what Vincennes University Early College is all about.

Early College is a special program that enables students to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree, or up to 2 years (30 credits) of transferable college credit, simultaneously.

And the best part? You don’t have to be a “perfect student” to do this. You just need the courage to try and the support that comes with being part of the Early College family.

Jump Right In!

There is a pathway designed by Vincennes University and your High School or CTE site that is designed for the proper pace and comfort level of students.

You Don’t Have to Figure Everything Out Alone!

Early College gives you lots of support. You have dedicated teachers, advisors, and staff who are there to help you stay on track, answer your questions, and cheer you on. You’re never doing this by yourself.

It Saves You Money and Time!

College credits earned in Early College can save you years and thousands of dollars after high school. You’re getting ahead without adding the stress of debt.

You’ll Learn Real Skills for Real Life

These classes are designed to help you build confidence, problem-solving skills, and independence. You’ll prove to yourself that you CAN do college work and that you can do it well!

“I’m not sure I’m smart enough.”

Yes, you are. Early College is built for high school students from all backgrounds, not just the ones who already think they’re college material. You learn as you go, and we help you every step of the way.

“College sounds confusing.”

That’s why you’re not doing it alone. You get access to dedicated people who walk with you, explain things, and make sure you understand what you’re signing up for.

“My life is too busy, stressful, or complicated.”

Early College classes happen at your high school or career center, and your teachers and advisors help you balance everything out. You just have to have a belief that you can, and we will help you!

“No one in my family has ever gone to college.”

Then you might be the first! Early College is the perfect way to start, as we believe you belong in college, even if you’re still figuring that out for yourself.

“The Cost is too High to go to College after High School and this Program.”

You’re not expected to solve that on your own. VU’s Early College staff and your high school counselors are amazing at helping students find grants, scholarships, discounts, and other creative solutions that make college way more affordable than you might think. Before you worry about the cost, talk with us. We’ll work together and pull every available resource together to make a plan.

Bottom Line: You CAN Do This

Early College is here for students who want real opportunities, new challenges, and a chance to build a future they’re excited about. Even if college feels far away. Even if you doubt yourself sometimes. Even if life feels complicated right now. Just know you are capable, you belong here, and Early College can help you get where YOU want to go!

To put this simply, it’s an amazing opportunity! Imagine being able to start college while you’re still in high school and still having time for all the things that make high school what it is and whatever makes you you. That’s what Vincennes University Early College is all about.

Early College is a special program that enables students to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree, or up to 2 years (30 credits) of transferable college credit, simultaneously.

And the best part? You don’t have to be a “perfect student” to do this. You just need the courage to try and the support that comes with being part of the Early College family.

Jump Right In!

There is a pathway designed by Vincennes University and your students High School or CTE site that is designed for the proper pace and comfort level of students.

They Don’t Have to Figure Everything Out Alone!

Early College gives students lots of support. They will have dedicated teachers, advisors, and staff who are there to help them stay on track, answer questions, and cheer them on. They’re never doing this alone!

It Saves Money and Time!

College credits earned in Early College can save years and thousands of dollars after high school. They’re getting ahead without adding the stress of debt.

Learn Real Skills for Real Life

These classes are designed to help build confidence, problem-solving skills, and independence. They’ll prove to themselves that they CAN do college work and that they can do it well!

Early College is a program designed to let your student in grades 9 through 12 earn real college credits while finishing their high school diploma. Depending on the Early College model implemented at your student’s school, your student may even be able to earn a certificate or an Associate’s Degree before graduation!

You might worry about whether your student is ready, whether it’s too much, or whether the cost is too high. That’s natural. Here’s the good news, you and your student will have support every step of the way. Early College students and their supporters have access to extremely dedicated advisors, teachers, and support staff to guide them through each class.

• Courses at Your School: College courses are offered at your student’s high school or career center, integrated into your student’s regular day.
• Guided Support: Students are supported by VU staff, high school counselors, and teachers who help them navigate college-level coursework.
• Flexible Pathways: Pathways are created and agreed upon by Vincennes University and your student’s school or career center ensuring that the load and pace are designed for success.
• College Transcript: All credits earned go on a Vincennes University transcript, giving your student a head -start on college and increasing post-secondary options and employability.
• Affordability: Early College is designed to reduce costs and Vincennes University has several low-cost and even no-cost partnerships with various schools and districts across the state. Families typically save thousands of dollars by enrolling a student in an Early College program. Beyond high school, our dedicated staff from VU and the high school are always ready to help families find scholarships, grants, and other financial solutions. Don’t assume Higher Ed is out of range, let's work together on a plan.

Vincennes University is recognized as the statewide leader in Early College partnerships in Indiana. As the first institution in the state to implement the Early College model in high schools, VU’s program is designed for motivated students who want to get a head start on college while they’re still in high school.

Early College provides structured pathways that allow eligible high school students to earn college credits and in most cases those students complete:

• An Indiana College Core Certificate of Graduation,
• An Associate’s Degree, or
• A Certificate of Graduation,

Students earn a plethora of college credit by enrolling in Vincennes University courses offered at an approved partner high school, career center, or through dedicated online options. All this comes at a significant cost savings compared to traditional postsecondary tuition.

• Expanded Postsecondary Access & Affordability

Early College creates an opportunity for students to earn substantial college credit, including up to an Associate degree, while they remain enrolled in high school. This reduces overall time to degree completion and lowers the overall cost of postsecondary education.

• Increased College Readiness and Success

Students participating in Early College develop college-level academic skills, study habits, and confidence. Partner schools implementing the model have seen high college acceptance and transition outcomes upon graduation.

• Flexible pathways that align with student goals

Whether a student is focused on academic transfer, workforce credentials, or career and technical education (CTE), the Early College Framework offers multiple pathways tailored to your students’ diverse interests and futures.

• Seamless Curriculum & Advising Support

Courses are drawn from Vincennes University Curriculum and are transcripted on a university record, ensuring transferability and rigor. Early College partners benefit from academic advising, on-site support services, and guidance for students and families to navigate coursework and college transitions.

Teacher and Staff Support

VU Early College is different and built that way to ensure success and support. VU is the only Early College in the state that offers dedicated on-site support built into properly structured sites. VU works closely with partner schools to align instruction, provide onboarding support, l and offer professional development where needed.

Student Support Services

Academic advising, learning coaches, and more are available to guide students within properly structured sites to guide students through course selection, registration, and success strategies.

Flexible Delivery Options

This model is completely flexible. In addition to in-person classes offered on partner campuses, VU Early College Online expands access, allowing students in public, private, and homeschool settings to earn transferable credits from anywhere.

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• Increase postsecondary attainmentby enabling students to complete significant college requirements early.
• Advance accessibilityby lowering financial and access barriers to higher education.
• Boost graduation outcomesand provide students with credentials of value upon high school completion
• Support workforce readinessthrough career-aligned pathways and credential attainment.

The next step is easy! To get additional information and for a personalized Early College Plan for your institution please contact our Deans of Early College: High Schools contact our Dean of Academic Early College Dr. Nicole Shankle at 317-381-6002 or via email NSHANKLE@VINU.EDUCTE sites, contact our Dean of CTE Early College Stefany Deckard at 317-381-6033 or via email at STEFANY.DECKARD@VINU.EDU