Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University has an acceptance rate of 89.4%, annual tuition of $48,450, average net price of $18,578, and a national rank of #308 (Grade B+), with a 72.5% graduation rate, about 2,083 undergraduates, and median earnings of $69,228 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Valparaiso University is a private nonprofit university in Valparaiso, IN. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Finance and Financial Management Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and 75.4% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 87.8%, roughly 37.9 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Valparaiso University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Valparaiso University graduates 72.5% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 75.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Valparaiso University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $48,450 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,618 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,870 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $58,437 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 27.3% of Valparaiso University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,043 to $24,780 depending on family income. Use Valparaiso University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,311/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,780/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $69,228
- 10-Year Median Earnings $63,191
- Average Years to Graduate 4.2 years
- Average Student Debt $26,942
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 76.9%
- Employment Rate 90.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Valparaiso University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Valparaiso University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Valparaiso University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Valparaiso University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Valparaiso University graduates earn $69,228 median four years after graduation, +15% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 540-640
- SAT Math 520-640
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 23-31
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,083
- Full-Time Students 98.7%
- Part-Time Students 1.3%
- Retention Rate 75.4%
- Graduation Rate 72.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Valparaiso University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Valparaiso University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 89.4%, Valparaiso University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 89.4% acceptance rate, Valparaiso University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1060 and 1280 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Valparaiso University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Mechanical Engineering, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 15.6%
- Mechanical Engineering 5.7%
- Biology, General 4.2%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 3.8%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 3.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.2%
See more majors
- Civil Engineering 2.9%
- Psychology, General 2.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $87,180
- 2. Finance and Financial Management Services $84,445
- 3. Mechanical Engineering $83,142
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Civil Engineering $80,194
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $79,968
- 6. Computer Engineering $75,484
- 7. Chemistry $71,188
- 8. Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology $67,942
- 9. Marketing $67,494
- 10. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $67,129
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degree) $135,121
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $92,958
- 3. Law (First Professional Degree) $77,795
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $66,242
- 5. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $64,575
- 6. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $60,631
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $87,180—30% more than Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($67,129). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $135,121 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Valparaiso University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree, 57 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 39 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 35 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 32 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (56 programs)â–¼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Marketing
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Civil Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication and Media Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemistry
- Accounting and Related Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Work
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Criminology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Economics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- International Business
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Geography and Cartography
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Public Health
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Mathematics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Sociology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Statistics
- Music
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Physics
- Philosophy
- International/Global Studies
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
Online Master's Degrees (19 programs)â–¼
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- International Business
- Computational Science
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Education, General
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Economics
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Public Health
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (17 programs)â–¼
- Business/Commerce, General
- International Business
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Economics
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Marketing
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)â–¼
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,083
- Full-Time Students 98.7%
- Part-Time Students 1.3%
- Male Students 43.2%
- Female Students 56.8%
- Caucasian 66.4%
- Asian 3.7%
- Hispanic 13.8%
- Black 6.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 27.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Valparaiso University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Valparaiso University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Valparaiso University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Valparaiso University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Valparaiso University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Valparaiso University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Valparaiso University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 87.8% ROI. Ranked #308 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,578 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $69,228 median earnings. With 72.5% earning an award within eight years of entry and 75.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Valparaiso University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #308 ranking, Valparaiso University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,578 annually, Valparaiso University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 75.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $13,005 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 87.8% ROI and $69,228 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,578+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Valparaiso University ranks #308 of 1962 institutions, with 426 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 72.5% graduation rate sits 10.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 75.4% first-year retention is 1.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 87.8% return on investment is 37.9 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $69,228 run about 15% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $18,578 is roughly $1,501 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 75.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.5% employment rate within three years sits 22.3 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 27.3% trails the national share by 7.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B+ from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #308 nationally Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (C-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 75.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 72.5% earn an award within eight years of entry. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 87.8%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,578 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $58,437.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $39,859 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $26,942 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 27.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $69,228 four years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 15% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 90.5%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 87.8%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
89.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Valparaiso University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Valparaiso University's acceptance rate?
Valparaiso University's acceptance rate is 89.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Valparaiso University cost?
At Valparaiso University, listed tuition and fees are $48,450 per year, and the average net price after aid is $18,578. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Valparaiso University's ranking?
Valparaiso University ranks #308 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Valparaiso University's graduation rate?
At Valparaiso University, the graduation rate is 72.5%, and first-year retention is 75.4%.
What are Valparaiso University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Valparaiso University report median earnings of $69,228 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Valparaiso University's student population?
Valparaiso University enrolls about 2,083 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Valparaiso, IN 46383
- Website www.valpo.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$315.6M