Scholarships
89% of first-time, full-time Vincennes University students
have received financial assistance in the form of grants and/or scholarships to help pay for college.
Academic Scholarships
Vincennes University offers 4 academic scholarships: Academic or Technical Honors
Diploma, Blue and Gold, Presidential, and Valedictorian/Salutatorian.
New students must complete the admissions application and requirements. All students must file the FAFSA each academic year. Recipients are eligible for only one Academic scholarship per academic year (fall and spring semesters only, summer is not included). These scholarships are not program-specific.
The award is contingent upon enrollment at Vincennes University and meeting all criteria for the specific scholarship awarded. All final high school transcripts for scholarship recipients will be verified and awards will be rescinded if scholarship criteria are not met. Recipients of the academic scholarships will be notified via email.
New students must complete the admissions application and requirements. All students must file the FAFSA each academic year. Recipients are eligible for only one Academic scholarship per academic year (fall and spring semesters only, summer is not included). These scholarships are not program-specific.
The award is contingent upon enrollment at Vincennes University and meeting all criteria for the specific scholarship awarded. All final high school transcripts for scholarship recipients will be verified and awards will be rescinded if scholarship criteria are not met. Recipients of the academic scholarships will be notified via email.
- Recipients will receive a $1,250 scholarship for the academic year.
- Recipient of the Indiana Academic Honors or Technical Honors diploma (or out-of-state equivalent) from high school.
- Must be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours or more).
- GPA of 3.0 or above is required and must be maintained at all times during the scholarship period, 4 semesters toward an associate degree, and 4 additional semesters for a baccalaureate degree.
- High school graduate within the prior 18 months.
- Recipients will receive a $2,000 scholarship for the academic year.
- Class rank must be in the upper 50% of graduating class.
- Combined SAT of 1110 or composite ACT of 21.
- Must be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours or more).
- GPA of 3.0 or above is required and must be maintained at all times during the scholarship period, 4 semesters toward an associate degree, and 4 additional semesters for a baccalaureate degree.
- High school graduate within the prior 18 months.
- Recipients will receive a $3,000 scholarship for the academic year.
- Class rank must be in the upper 25% of the graduating class.
- Combined SAT of 1190 or composite ACT of 25.
- Must be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours or more).
- GPA of 3.3 or above is required and must be maintained at all times during the scholarship period, 4 semesters toward an associate degree, and 4 additional semesters for a baccalaureate degree.
- High school graduate within the prior 18 months.
- For recipients living on-campus, this scholarship will pay up to 18 credit hours of
tuition and fees*, standard housing*, and choice of meal plan*.–OR— For commuter recipients, it will pay up to 18 credit hours of tuition and fees* plus
a $500-semester stipend and a $500-semester book voucher to the VU Old Post bookstore.
*The following are NOT covered by this scholarship and will be the recipient’s responsibility:- Lab fees associated with the flight program, courses, or tests.
- Housing charges above the standard rate for Vanderburgh, Ebner, or Clark Hall.
- The additional cost for a private room.
- Flex dollars are not covered if added to any meal plan.
- Recipient of the Indiana Academic Honors or Technical Honors diploma (or out-of-state equivalent) from high school.
- Class rank must be first or second of the graduating class.
- Additional SAT or ACT requirements may apply for students with a high school class of 30 or fewer students.
- Must be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours or more).
- GPA of 3.3 or above is required and must be maintained at all times during the scholarship period, 4 semesters toward an associate degree, and 4 additional semesters for a baccalaureate degree.
- High school graduate within the prior 18 months.
- Award amounts may vary. Student’s other educational scholarships and grants will be taken into consideration.
Vincennes University Foundation Scholarship
We’ve made applying simple for everyone! Your application process for admission to
VU contains the information we need to determine if you meet the criteria for our
VU Foundation scholarships. If you receive a scholarship from the Foundation, the Financial
Aid Office will notify you via email and provide the instructions on how to accept
your scholarship.
To see a listing of VU Foundation scholarships and criteria for each, click the link below.
All scholarship applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA - (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) every year.
To see a listing of VU Foundation scholarships and criteria for each, click the link below.
All scholarship applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA - (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) every year.
Housing Scholarship
The Residential Housing Scholarship offers $1,500 for the 2025-2026 academic year, which translates to $750 per semester, for incoming and returning domestic students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This scholarship will continue to be offered in 2026-2027.
To apply, students must submit a housing application before the deadline date. Those receiving financial aid must also be in good standing under Standards of Academic Progress. The scholarship exclusively covers accommodation within VU residence halls, including Clark Hall, Godare Hall, Vigo Hall, and Ebner Hall. Apartments, including the French Quarters, do not qualify for this scholarship program. Interested applicants should contact the VU Admissions office for the scholarship deadline date.
Outside Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships offered directly by Vincennes University, students
are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities to further support their
educational expenses. Numerous private organizations, foundations, and corporations
offer scholarships based on various criteria such as academic achievement, community
service, leadership, and specific fields of study. It's important to pay close attention
to application deadlines and specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship.
The sweepstakes chooses one winner each month to receive a $1,000 award. Since it is a monthly sweepstakes, students are encouraged to check back regularly and enter each month for a chance to win. The goal of the award is to reduce stress related to educational expenses. Students interested in applying can find more information and entry details by following the link provided.
Key Scholarship Opportunities
The DAR's scholarships are highly specialized, allowing applicants to compete within smaller pools based on their chosen field of study. Awards often range from $2,000 to $5,000, with some major awards up to $25,000, such as the America 250! Scholarship.
Scholarships are available for students pursuing degrees in:
- Healthcare: Numerous awards are dedicated to students in Nursing, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy programs (e.g., DAR Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship, Dr. Francis Anthony Beneventi Medical Scholarship).
- Business and Law: Awards exist for those pursuing Law degrees and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
- STEM Fields: Students focusing on Mathematics, Chemistry, and other sciences can find dedicated financial support.
- History and Arts: Opportunities are available for students studying American History, Government, American Studies, Historic Preservation, and Music (specifically voice or piano).
- Education: The DAR supports future educators through the Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education Scholarships.
- Specific Eligibility: The DAR offers scholarships tailored to unique groups, including awards specifically for Native American students (requiring proof of tribal membership) and for those who are descendants or dependents of a DAR member (requiring the member's details).
- Application Period: The application window is annual, running from November 1st to January 31st (11:59 pm Hawaii Time).
- How to Apply: Students must create an account and complete the general application on the DAR's online portal. The system will then automatically recommend all specific scholarships for which the student is eligible.
- Required Materials: Applicants must be prepared to submit a number of documents, including a personal statement (1,000 words or less), high school and/or college transcripts, proof of U.S. citizenship, a one-page list of extracurricular activities/honors, and between two to four letters of recommendation (no relatives allowed).
This is a hassle-free, automatic award; students do not need to fill out any additional forms or applications. The scholarship is awarded by Vincennes University once the institution receives the official DFS scholarship check. This is an easy way for students to double the impact of their local community award when they choose to attend VU.
These scholarships are available to a diverse group of students, including:
- High School Seniors & College Students: The Foundation offers several awards, including the BEACONS of Excellence Scholarship for graduating high school seniors from each Knox County high school and one from Lawrence County, Illinois. Other general awards, like the Nursing and Allied Healthcare Scholarship, are available to students pursuing a degree in a healthcare-related field.
- Vincennes University Students: Specific funds are dedicated to students attending VU in a health-related field, such as the Chris & Laura Nardine Memorial Scholarship and the Gloria Van Eaton Nursing & Allied Health Care Scholarship.
- Graduate Medical Students: The Good Samaritan Physician Legacy Scholarship is awarded to students currently enrolled in an accredited graduate school of medicine (MD or DO program).
- Good Samaritan Caregivers: Employees (full-time or part-time) can apply for the Matt Bowman Memorial Scholarship to cover fees for health-related certifications, review courses, conferences, or boot camps.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: This scholarship is specifically open to high school seniors or graduates who reside
in or attended high school in one of the three Indiana counties where the law firm
holds offices:
- Hamilton County
- Parke County
- Wabash County
- How to Apply: Students must consult the firm's website for the most current application and details. The application for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year will be posted on the scholarship page.
- Goal: The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to promising students from these communities as a way for the firm to give back to the regions that support its practice.
- Be an Indiana resident
- Be a senior citizen (sixty (60) years of age or older)
- Be retired
- Not employed on a full-time basis
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be enrolled in a credit course to earn a grade
Senior Citizen refers to an Indiana resident at least 60 years of age at the time of enrollment. Retirement means those persons who were employed on a full-time basis and are no longer employed, or those persons who were not employed outside the home (homemakers) but have reached the age of 60. This scholarship does not cover the following: books, class or laboratory fees, flight fees, parking permits, and student activity fees. Expenses other than tuition are the responsibility of the student. For more information and registration questions, contact the Student Success Center at 812.888.4451 or send an email to SSC@VINU.EDU.
Key Requirements:
- Must be a current VU student attending full-time (minimum 12 hours).
- Must have a minimum college GPA of 2.8.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
Deadline & Award: The application is due on Monday, March 31, 2026. The award is disbursed in two installments, one in August and the other in January, with checks mailed directly to the student.
Key Eligibility:
- Must be a legal U.S. resident, 18 years or older.
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate college student.
- Must be enrolled at least half-time at a PNC Solution Loan®-eligible college or university during the term the scholarship is awarded.
- Number of Opportunities: The platform features thousands of college scholarships, with over 9,600 results available for searching.
- Target Audience: Scholarships are available for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.
- High-Value Awards: The platform lists awards across all amount ranges, including many exceeding $10,000.
- $2,000 No Essay Scholarship: Students can enter to win Sallie's own $2,000 No Essay Scholarship in two minutes or less.
- Scholly Easy Apply: Students can apply for up to $15,000 in scholarships each month using just one simple application form.
General Eligibility: Applicants must meet several criteria:
- Be an Indiana resident.
- Attend an Indiana College or University.
- Major in a law enforcement field.
- Enroll as a full-time student (12 hours).
- Be an active affiliate or associate member of the Indiana Sheriffs' Association, or a dependent child or grandchild of an active affiliate or associate member.
Renewal: A person who has previously received the scholarship may apply for renewal for up to three successive years.
Application Process: The application is generally available from any county sheriff's office or the ISA association office.
- Academic Scholarship: For full-time undergraduate (sophomores, juniors, seniors) and graduate students with a strong academic record.
- Fine Arts Scholarship: For students studying dance, theater, art, or music (music therapy encouraged).
- Twanette Nutter Fleming Award: Specifically for students majoring in music education and aspiring to teach.
- Key Scholarship: For non-traditional students who have had an interruption in education of at least one year and plan to enroll for at least three credit hours.
- Vocational Scholarship: For high school graduates enrolling in an accredited post-high school vocational, technical, or trade school.
- Carnation Scholarship: For those with a prior degree who have had at least a one-year interruption in education and are pursuing an additional degree or continuing education.
- Beryl Showers Holland Fellowship: For Indiana University seniors planning to continue with graduate study.
Maximizing Your Scholarship Opportunities
Most students and parents are not fully informed about scholarship opportunities available to them. There are many sources for Scholarships.
Some Examples are:
- All universities that the student is considering attending
- County Community Foundations
- Veteran’s Organizations
- Clubs
- Associations related to field of study
Scholarships generally have a variety of criteria that have to be met by the recipient. Criteria is what the donor (may be a person, group, company or organization) determines are important points regarding the student(s) they want to assist. Universities and organizations are interested in finding the applicant(s) who best fit the criteria for a scholarship award.
Common Scholarship Criteria
Common University and Organization Scholarship criteria may include any or a combination
of:
- Resident area (state, city, county, portion of county, school corporation)
- Grade point average (GPA) (may be as much as a 3.5 or a minimum of 2.0 that must be maintained at all times)
- Class Ranking
- Student status – Full time or Part time (typical full time is 12 credit hours or more, part time is 6-11 credit hours)
- Major of study
- Family affiliation with or membership in an organization
- Leadership qualities
- Talent in an area related to major
- Financial need
How to find scholarships
- Newspapers: clip information on scholarships distributed within the community that your student meets the qualifications for.
- Online: university websites (ex: vinu.edu) many websites have information about the scholarships they offer.
- There are many FREE websites that offer tips and resources for scholarship searches. We suggest you create a separate email when using these scholarship search resources.
- School guidance office/Senior Counselor(s): one of the best resources for local scholarships.
Indiana Community Foundation Scholarships
Local communities have scholarships available to local residents. Indiana students
can check out this list of Indiana Community Foundation scholarships.
If you try other scholarships search sites, check their privacy policy, and don't ever pay anyone to look for scholarships.
To successfully qualify for scholarships, students need to begin working right away on “setting themselves apart” from the other applicants.
If you try other scholarships search sites, check their privacy policy, and don't ever pay anyone to look for scholarships.
To successfully qualify for scholarships, students need to begin working right away on “setting themselves apart” from the other applicants.
- Improve grades and study habits.
- Track extra-curricular activities (community, school, church, athletics, job) Consider leadership positions if the student is able to do so without adversely affecting grades.
- Make note of awards received, offices held, responsibilities, etc.
- Request letters of recommendation from those who are directly related to the activities.
- Start building the student’s “resume”.
- Take the SAT or ACT more than once if needed, to improve scores.
- Pay attention to deadlines and application requirements.
Contact Us
Student Financial Services
Bursar & Financial Aid Offices
Offices are located in the Welsh Administration Building.
16 Indianapolis Ave, Vincennes, IN 47591 Opens in a new window
Fall and Spring Semester Office Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Summer Office Hours:
Summer Hours will be observed May 19th through August 8th
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
Bursar's Office
Email: Bursars@VINU.EDU
Phone: 812-888-4244
Financial Aid
Email: FA@VINU.EDU
Phone: 812-888-4361
Fax: 812-888-4261
