Valparaiso University
About Valparaiso University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Valparaiso University is a private Lutheran university in Valparaiso, Indiana, near Chicago. It offers programs in nursing, engineering, business, and biology, with a strong music program and a commitment to community engagement.
Founded
1859
Location
Valparaiso, Indiana
Students
2,539
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
89.4%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
70.4%
Near national average
Tuition
$48,450
Per year
Avg Net Price
$18,578
After financial aid
SAT Average
1178
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$63,191
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Mar 1
Regular
Rolling
Valparaiso University accepts the majority of applicants at 89.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1178/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
70.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.4%
4-Year Grad
65%
6-Year Grad
74%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
70.4%
$/Student
$11.6K
Class Size
Medium
65% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$48,450
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,618
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$58,437
After Financial Aid
$18,578
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,043
Receive Grants
27.3%
Take Loans
51.9%
Don't let the $48,450 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $18,578 after financial aid, a 62% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $11,043.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Valparaiso University fund their education.
While in School
27.3%
Get Grants
Free money
51.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$70,535
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,942
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,942 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $63K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Valparaiso University.
Gender
56.8%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,083
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
456
Graduates
28.8%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 28.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Small
Campus Quick Facts
2,083
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Valparaiso University fields 11 varsity teams with 521 student athletes, about 25% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Missouri Valley
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
521
25% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
61% / 39%
318
Men
203
Women
6
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Valparaiso Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$63,191
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$74K
119 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$115K
44 grads
4yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$68K
28 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$31K
26 grads
1yr Earnings
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
$60K
22 grads
4yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $55K at six years, $47K at eight, and $63K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Valparaiso University
What is the acceptance rate at Valparaiso University?▾
How much does Valparaiso University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Valparaiso University?▾
How much do Valparaiso University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.