Tuition, Fees, and General Expenses

Tuition and Fees Listing

¹ In addition, there is a Flexible Meal Plan Program available to all V.U. students. Students should refer to the Student Handbook for an explanation of this program.

Students may use VISA, Master Card, or Discover Card to pay for all fees billed by the Bursar’s Office and for bookstore purchases. Students may also pay on-line through the MyVU account.

The Bursar’s Office is open for business from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Billing Addresses. All billing statements are mailed to the permanent address on file for students. If bills are to be mailed to a different address other than the permanent address, students with sufficient cause may make this request at the Bursar’s Office. Students are responsible for informing the Registrar’s Office of permanent address changes. Bills will not be mailed to the residence halls.

Check Cashing Policy. Students are allowed to write personal checks at the bookstore for cash (up to a $100 daily limit). There is a $ .20 charge and a valid student ID is required. Two-party checks between students are strictly prohibited from being cashed. Checks written from parents or other relatives to a student must adhere to the $100 daily limit and the student will be asked to substantiate that it is from a relative (i.e., same surname and/or permanent address as student).

Returned Checks. All checks returned to the University will be assessed a handling charge of $25 per check. The handling charge may be waived if the Bursar’s Office receives written notice from the financial institution returning the check that they did so in error or the student remits payment in cash, cashier check, or money order prior to the check being returned. NSF checks are automatically redeposited a second time.

A student will temporarily lose their check cashing privileges if the University is holding an unpaid returned check. A student will permanently lose their check cashing privileges if the University has three or more checks returned on the student’s account. Payment for an unpaid returned check must be in the form of cash, cashier’s check or money order.

Financial Encumbrance. Students who have a financial obligation to the University at the end of a semester will not receive their official transcripts until the obligation has been paid in full. Students who have past-due accounts at time of advance registration for future terms may not be eligible to register until their account is current or paid in full whichever applies for that time period. Students registering at mid-term for eight-week classes beginning after midterm will be required to pay for the added hours at the time of registration.

Special Course Fees. Additional fees for specific classes are assessed to cover cost for equipment or individualized instruction. The cost for each class that has a special course fee is noted in the class schedule for the term. Students enrolled for classes that have lab fees and sub-subsequently withdraw from school or drop the specific classes do not have their account adjusted according to the refund policy. Accounts are adjusted when the Bursar’s Office receives written notification of adjustment from the specific department or division responsible. Flight time is pro-rated accordingly.

Off-Campus Meal Tickets. During the Fall and Spring semesters student may purchase a meal ticket at Tecumseh Dining Center. During the Summer Sessions, meal ticket purchases are for an entire five-week session and only the 19-meal plan is offered. Cost will be pro-rated if term will end prior to normal length of meal ticket plan.

Parking Permits and Fines. Students parking on campus must have their vehicles registered with the Vincennes University Campus Police Department. Refer to the Vincennes University Handbook for cost of stickers, fines and parking regulations.

Purchase of Books and Supplies. Books and supplies are to be paid for at the time of purchase at the bookstore or charged against a student’s credit balance.

Residency Status Regulations for Assessment of Tuition

General. Vincennes University is a public institution supported by funding from state of Indiana tax revenue. As a state tax-supported institution, the University extends preference in tuition charges to residents of the state of Indiana whose circumstances conform to the University’s definition of resident status stated below.

Principal elements which determine residency are domicile in Indiana and actions which indicate the intent to make Indiana the permanent residence. A person has but one domicile at any time. Mere physical presence in Indiana, regardless of how prolonged, is insufficient to establish residency without action and intention to make the place a permanent residence and principal home. To establish residency in Indiana under this policy, a person should demonstrate presence and intent to reside permanently in Indiana for reasons other than education objectives.

The burden of establishing that a person is domiciled in Indiana for other than educational purposes is upon the person. The regulations, factors, and procedures outlined in this policy will be considered by the University in determining residency status.

Residency Status Regulations are subject to change at the discretion of the Vincennes University Board of Trustees. A person holding nonresident status is subject to rules in effect when the petition seeking Indiana residency is filed. Nothing in these rules shall be retroactive to reverse in-state residency status previously granted under former regulations.

Vincennes University’s definition of the term “resident” may be different from other, non-University agencies. Accordingly, a person who is an Indiana resident for tax or voting purposes, for example, is not necessarily a resident for tuition purposes.

Regulations. The following regulations are used to determine the resident status for tuition assessment purposes.

1. A person’s domicile is presumed to be that of the parent(s) or legal guardian unless the person is independent and establishes a separate domicile. For the purposes of these Regulations, legal guardian and parent are interchangeable.
2. A person who is dependent upon his/her parent(s) or other person in authority, other than spouse, for financial support shall not be considered independent for the purpose of these regulations. A person claiming independence may be requested to present satisfactory evidence that his/her parent(s) has not contributed significantly to his/her support nor claimed him/her as a dependent on federal or state income taxes during the period in which the person attempts to establish and/or maintain residency. Filing and payment of Indiana income tax is necessary to establish residency.
3. In order to be classified as a resident for tuition purposes, an independent person shall be domiciled in Indiana and a bona fide resident for at least six months immediately preceding the first scheduled day of classes for the term for which residency is sought.
4. During the six-month period in which a person attempts to establish residency, a person must be financially independent. He/she must rely upon gainful employment in Indiana or prove reliance upon resources in Indiana for more than fifty percent of the income sufficient to provide for tuition, fees, and normal living expenses, e.g., food, clothing, housing, and transportation. Income earned as a result of University enrollment, such as educational loans or student employment, is not considered evidence of intent to establish residency.
5. A person who is not a citizen of the United States of America may establish resident status unless the person holds a visa which precludes an intent to permanently reside in the United States. Further information about visa classifications may be obtained from the International Student Advisor Office.
6. Non-citizens may commence establishment of residency with notification of permanent residency status by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service provided the person meets and complies with all the applicable requirements of these Regulations.
7. The minor child of persons who, having resided in Indiana for at least six months immediately prior to such a transfer, are transferred by their employers to some location outside Indiana shall be considered an Indiana resident for purposes of tuition assessment. However, this Section shall apply only when the minor child of such parents enrolls in Vincennes University within one year from the time the parents are transferred to some location outside Indiana.
   If a resident parent(s) establishes a domicile outside Indiana after a dependent is admitted, the dependent shall continue to be classified as a resident until degree completion, assuming timely matriculation, continuous enrollment, and maintenance of a separate residence in Indiana.
8. A person who claims Indiana domicile while living in another state or country must provide proof of continued Indiana domicile. Proof may include, but is not limited to, evidence that the person (or parent or legal guardian) has not acquired a domicile in another state, has maintained a continuous voting record in Indiana, and has filed and paid regular Indiana resident state income tax returns during the absence.
9. A person whose parent(s) moves to Indiana may become a resident at the beginning of the next term of enrollment following the move.
10. An independent person whose parent(s) has established and is maintaining a bona fide residence in Indiana will be regarded as a resident if the independent person lives in Indiana. In the case of divorce or separated parents, if either parent is a bona fide resident of Indiana then the person shall be classified a resident.
11. A nonresident shall be classified as a resident if his/her spouse is a resident of Indiana and meets the applicable requirements of these regulations. A non-citizen may establish residency through his/her resident spouse, provided the non-citizen complies with Section 4 of these Regulations.
12.  A person who is actively serving in the Armed Forces of the United States and who is stationed and/or present in the state in connection with that service, may be eligible for a waiver of the nonresident portion of tuition as long as the person remains stationed and/or present in Indiana. The waiver is extended to the person’s spouse and dependent children who also live in the state. A resident of Indiana, and the spouse and dependent children, who is stationed outside of Indiana in active service in the Armed Forces of the United States and who has maintained residency under Section 7 shall be classified as a resident.

Factors in Determining Residency. Bona fide residency must be maintained in Indiana for at least six months immediately proceeding the first scheduled day of classes for the term for which resident classification is sought. The following circumstances, although not necessarily conclusive, have value in support of a claim for resident classification for tuition purposes.

1. Continuous physical presence–defined as no more than a three-week absence from the state of Indiana–for at least six months as described above.
2. Domicile in Indiana of parent(s), legal guardian, or spouse.
3. Voting or registration for voting in Indiana.
4. Indiana driver’s license and automobile registration.
5. Financial independence and payment and filing of Indiana income tax during the tax year or partial tax year immediately proceeding the term for which the person is requesting resident classification. Just the filing of Indiana State income taxes, filing without substantial Indiana income earned, will not be judged as a significant criterion for reclassification.
6. Six months of gainful employment in Indiana and prove reliance upon resources in Indiana for more than fifty percent of the income sufficient to provide for tuition, fees, and normal living expenses, e.g., food, clothing, housing, and transportation. Reliance upon income earned from loans and/or grants is not viewed as evidence of intent to establish residency. Employment must be in other than normal part-time student employment.
7. The lease of living quarters and payment of utility bills for six months immediately preceding the term for which the person is seeking residency.
8. Admission to a licensed profession in Indiana and the date of admission.
9. Domicile for six months in the state for other than educational purposes.
10. The State of residence claimed by the personal federal income taxes, and other documents requiring information as the person’s State of residence.
11. Public records, such as birth, marriage records, etc.
12. Establishment of financial accounts at Indiana institutions.
13. Other official documents verifying legal, official connection with Indiana or with organizations of institutions within the state of Indiana.
14. Exclusive use of the Indiana address when home or mailing address is requested.

Administration. The Director of Admissions, or a designee, shall determine the initial residence classification of each person at the time the person enters or re-enters the University.

A person who is not satisfied with a determination concerning his/her residence classification may request the Director of Admission reconsider the determination.

The request should include the petition for change of residency status for tuition purposes at Vincennes University (available from the Office of Admissions) and all other materials which are applicable to the claim. The request and accompanying documentation will not be returned, and the person is advised to maintain a copy for his/her record.

If the person is still not satisfied with the determination after it has been reconsidered, the person may make a final appeal to the Residency Appeals Board which consists of the Dean of Students (who chairs the Board), and two other college officials, one of whom is appointed by the Assistant Provost for Student Affairs and another appointed by the Senior Director of External Relations. An appeal to the Residency Appeal Board must be in writing and turned in to the Dean of Students office along with the documentation supporting the person’s claim. The decision of the Residency Appeals Board shall be final.

A person who fails to notify the University of a change of facts or provides false information which might affect classification or reclassification from resident to nonresident status and/or who provides false information or conceals information for the purpose of achieving resident status may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, as well as other penalties which may be prescribed by law.

Institutional Refund Policy

Credit Adjustments for Withdrawal

Official Withdrawal from Enrollment. Students who participate in advance or late registration must notify the Dean of Students if they elect not to attend any classes prior to or during the term for which the student registered.

Students who officially withdraw during the first week of regular day classes during a semester will receive a 100 percent credit adjustment of tuition and student activity fees; during the second week, a 75 percent credit adjustment; during the third week, a 50 percent credit adjustment; and during the fourth week, a 25 percent credit adjustment. During the fifth week or after, no credit adjustment will be given.

Please note: A credit adjustment is based on the charges and not on the amount paid toward the student account if a person elects the payment plan. For example, a student’s charge is $900 for the semester that elects the payment plan, making their first payment $330 (one-third of $900 equals $300 plus the $30 payment plan fee). The student withdraws during the third week which is the 50 percent adjustment period. The credit adjustment of $450 would leave a balance owed of $150 (50 percent of $900 equals $450 minus the $300 tuition payment equals the $150 balance still owed). The payment plan is a convenience to the student to spread payments throughout the semester; it does not release the student’s obligation to pay charges that have been incurred, in accordance with the University’s stated refund policy, because they withdraw from school during the semester. The refund policy adjusts the charges and is not relevant to the amount of the partial payment the student pays when electing the payment plan.

Dropping of Courses (for Fall and Spring semesters). Students who drop one or more courses during the first week of regular day classes will receive a 100 percent credit adjustment of tuition; during the second week, a 75 percent credit; adjustment during the third week, a 50 percent credit adjustment; during the fourth week, a 25 percent credit adjustment; during the fifth week or after, no credit adjustment. The University refund policy will be pro-rated for those classes which meet less than normally prescribed for a regular enrollment period.

Dropping of Courses (for Summer Sessions - five weeks each). Students dropping courses or withdrawing from school the second day of regular classes will receive a 100 percent credit adjustment; the third or fourth day, a 75 percent credit adjustment; fifth or sixth day, a 50 percent credit adjustment; seventh or eighth day, a 25 percent credit adjustment; and no credit adjustment after the eighth day a class meets.

Refunds. Initial refunds for full-time students will be processed using Blazeronecard.com. Students must activate their BlazerOne card to direct the refund preference. All refunds are processed through BlazerOne.

Students are encouraged to view their account information on MyVU to determine when their refund will be available. Refunds are identified by the description of “BlazerOne card refund” with a corresponding effective date.

Degree Completion Program Refund Policy. Students who withdraw from degree Completion Program courses during the first 30 days after official enrollment are eligible to receive a 100 percent credit adjustment of tuition if no lessons have been completed during that period. If the student has completed less than 50 percent of the lessons, an administrative fee of 10 percent of the tuition for the course plus any amount(s) paid to faculty for evaluation of lessons may be charged. Refunds may not be made if enrollment exceeds 30 days and/or more than 50 percent of the lessons have been completed.

Return of Title IV Funds

Under Re-authorization of 1998, rules were revised to govern the return of Title IV funds (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Plus Loans and Federal Work Study) disbursed to a student who completely withdraws from a term. The new rules only impact federal aid received by a student. Vincennes University institutional refund policy will continue to remain in effect and will not be dictated by federal law or regulation.

Earned and Unearned Aid. The new rule assumes that a student earns his or her aid based on the period of time he or she remained enrolled. Unearned Title IV funds, other than Federal Work Study, will be returned to the Department of Education. Unearned aid is considered the amount of disbursed Title IV aid that exceeds the amount of Title IV aid earned under the new formula.

To determine how much aid was disbursed, a snapshot of the student account will be evaluated as soon as the institution becomes aware that a student withdrew. If earned aid exceeds disbursed, additional funds may be disbursed as a late disbursement to an eligible student. Institutional costs no longer play a role in determining the amount of Title IV funds to which a withdrawn student is entitled. During the first 60 percent of the period of enrollment a student earns Title IV funds in direct proportion to the length of time he or she remains enrolled. That is, the percentage of time during the period that the student remained enrolled is the percentage of disbursable aid for that period that the student earned. Aid is disbursable if the student could have received it at the point of withdrawal. Total disbursable aid includes aid that was disbursed and aid that could have been (but was not) disbursed as of the student’s withdrawal date. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60 percent point will earn all aid for the enrollment period.

Determining the Percentage of Earned Aid. In order to determine the percentage of aid that a student has earned, a student will take the number of days enrolled at the University and divide it by the number of calendar days in the period. A period at Vincennes University will be defined as a semester. It should be noted that any break in a semester that has a minimum of five calendar days will be excluded from the numerator and denominator in calculating the percentage of earned aid.

Repayment of Unearned Aid. The responsibility for repaying unearned aid will be shared by Vincennes University and the student in proportion to the aid each is assumed to possess. The share for Vincennes University will be the lesser of the total amount of unearned aid or institutional charges multiplied by the percentage of aid that was unearned. The student’s share will be the difference between the total unearned amount and the institution’s share. Vincennes University’s share will be reallocated among the Title IV programs, in an order specified by statute, before the student’s share. After the student’s share is fully allocated among the Title IV programs, any remaining amount owed to a grant will be reduced by half.

Timeframe for Returning Funds. Vincennes University will return its share of unearned Title IV funds no later than 45 days after determining that a student withdrew. Students receiving unearned aid attributable to a loan will return their share under the terms and conditions of the promissory note. Students will be responsible to repay unearned aid attributable to a grant under a satisfactory payment arrangement with the Department of Education.

Determination of Student Withdrawal from Vincennes University. Vincennes University will determine the withdrawal date by using the date the student began the institution’s withdrawal process or officially notified the institution of intent to withdraw or the midpoint of the period for a student who leaves without notifying the institution (unofficial withdrawal).

Official Student Withdrawal Policy. Students registered for classes at any Vincennes University site that wish to withdraw from all classes must contact the following offices at their specific campus site to declare their intent to officially withdraw.

Payment of Residence Hall Charges

Residence hall charges are billed with tuition and fees. Bills are printed and mailed approximately two weeks before the due date. For those electing the payment plan, the following payment schedule applies.

Students are not charged for living in the residence halls on a monthly basis. The above payment schedule is designed to spread the cost throughout each semester. Payments may be made for the entire semester charge any time prior to the due dates. All financial aid, including students loans, will be applied to the entire semester charge for housing regardless of the due date before any excess of aid is refunded.

For students who move out of the residence halls during the semester or summer sessions, the account is adjusted to reflect the number of days the student actually resided in the dorm. Net charge is pro-rated on a daily basis and is based on the move-out day recorded by the Housing Office.