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(Photo courtesy of Vincennes University)

Vincennes University announced Tuesday it will offer scholarships to students affected by Oakland City University’s decision to suspend its undergraduate programs for the 2026-27 academic year, thanks to a contribution from a Knox County nonprofit.

The Knox Life Community Improvement Team, the nonprofit arm of Knox County Indiana Economic Development, established a scholarship fund at Vincennes University to help the displaced students continue their education without interruption. The fund will provide a limited number of scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 for students transferring from Oakland City University.

“Vincennes University is incredibly grateful to the Knox Life Community Improvement Team for establishing this important fund and for their partnership in supporting students as they pursue their academic goals,” Sarah McLin, VU’s director of admissions, said in a news release. “This effort is a powerful reminder that we’re stronger together, and that when our community comes together to invest in students, we can help create opportunities that have a lasting impact on their futures.”

Vincennes University also extended the application deadline for its $1,500 housing scholarship for current and incoming Oakland City University students to July 1.

The announcement comes weeks after Oakland City University said it would suspend undergraduate programs for at least the upcoming academic year, and lay off employees as the school addresses ongoing financial challenges. In April, the university filed a WARN notice indicating up to 167 employees could be affected, including full-time, adjunct and part-time workers.

The private university, located in Gibson County just 40 miles from Evansville, previously said the institution is not closing and pointed to a strategic partnership with an unnamed corporate entity as part of plans to resume classes in fall 2027.

Officials added that graduate-level programs will continue and that it plans to resume undergraduate operations during the 2027-28 academic year.

Other southern Indiana universities have also offered assistance to affected students. The University of Southern Indiana announced scholarship opportunities, waived application fees and academic advising support, while the University of Evansville said it stands ready to help students continue their education.

For more information on the new scholarship fund visit Vincennes University’s website.

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