Vincennes University is marking 50 years of its dual credit program, Project EXCEL.

The program began in 1975 through a partnership between Vincennes University and Marian Heights Academy. Thirteen high school seniors took college-level courses in English Composition and Plant and Animal Biology and earned both high school and college credit.

Project EXCEL expanded the following year to include Loogootee High School, where students enrolled in a dual credit chemistry course.

The program officially adopted the name Project EXCEL in 1985. It received national accreditation for concurrent enrollment programs in 2005 and has maintained that status since.

University enrollment data shows participation grew from 1,157 students in 2002 to 9,362 students during the 2024–25 academic year.

Project EXCEL allows high school students to complete college coursework while still enrolled in high school, with credits applying to both institutions.