About Valparaiso University

Founded in 1859, Valparaiso University. is a Private college. Located in Indiana, which is a city setting in Indiana, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 3,273 full time undergraduate students, and 1,139 full time graduate students.

The Valparaiso University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 12:1. There are 297 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Valparaiso University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate82%
Application Deadline
Application Fee0
SAT Range990-1200
ACT Range23-29

Admissions at VALPO are considered Less Selective, with ,36% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 12 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

90% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 64% were in the top quarter, and 34% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Valparaiso University.

3%
“We”re apathetic”
31%
“We know about current events and vote”
56%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
10%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
5%
“Sometimes, but not often”
74%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
21%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
11%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
87%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
61%
“We bought the gear”
35%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
3%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
62%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
33%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
44%
“They keep regular office hours”
54%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
13%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
85%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
56%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
26%
“We only party on weekends”
10%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
21%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
74%
“There might be people who do”
5%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
31%
“We know about current events and vote”
56%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
10%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
5%
“Sometimes, but not often”
74%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
21%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
11%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
87%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
61%
“We bought the gear”
35%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
3%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
62%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
33%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
44%
“They keep regular office hours”
54%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
13%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
85%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
56%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
26%
“We only party on weekends”
10%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
21%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
74%
“There might be people who do”
5%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    98 Students rated on-campus housing 3.6 stars. 7 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    76 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    102 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    102 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    102 Students rated class size 4.6 stars. 67 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    102 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    102 Students rated local services 4.2 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    102 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.

Valparaiso University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Valparaiso University?

44 Students rated Valparaiso University

Kayla - 04/27/2023

I believe the school is underrated. Not only does it have a high level of education but it also has great people surrounding the community. When I visited I loved the area, vibe, and overall the school. The day of visiting I knew that it was meant to be for me to go to Valparaiso. It is in a great area with many different events and stores. It also is a smaller campus so your class sizes are smaller and more personal with your professors. Everyone I have talked to LOVES it at Valpo which makes it 5/5 stars.

Mark - 02/17/2021

This school is nothing but a scam. If anyone is brainwashed by their upbringing about doing well in school, going to a good private college, getting a good paying job, I recommend to re-think on what you've been instilled in you during your childhood. Especially if you grew up poor/middle class, I'd re-think on going to such an expensive school when an in-state school would be just fine. If you plan on taking out a bunch of loans and hope you can pay them after you land that dream job, think again! It's better to go to an in-state public school because they're just as good and you save at least 20k per year! Don't go into debt another 80k just for an overrated private college education! Don't fall for the religious bullshit either, my whole atmosphere as a student was filled with kids who didn't give a damn about religion. And to add to this, their computer science department is absolutely terrible. The professors are super lazy and don't teach you shit. They do not get you job ready at all. Good luck re-learning everything in preparing for job interviews.

Emanuel - 02/09/2021

As a student, you do not want to come to Valparaiso University. As a black student you really do not want to attend Valparaiso. Tuition costs rise each year and sometimes the aid doesn't cover as much of the ballooning costs as it once did. Educational curriculum is flawed in the sense that they make you take a course called CORE (ENG101) which equates to 10 credits freshman year, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a university that accepts them should you wish to transfer. Ten credit hours is a lot to leave on the table when transferring. For black students the only things that make it worth is are organizations designed to be safe spaces for us such as Black Student Organization. The dining hall employees have proven to be exclusionary/discriminatory to black students so warning!

Eleanor - 05/15/2020

I love it! The environment on campus just makes it feel like home and there is always something for you to participate in! I highly recommend Valparaiso University to anyone that is looking for a school that has a small family feel but a large campus. Campus is so big that there is always the ability to get some exercise!

Valparaiso University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Valparaiso University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Valparaiso University is 82%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Although I didn't have too tough of a time transitioning from home life to college life, I would have actually told myself to pack less clothes. My roommate and I (we both roomed blind) packed our tiny dorm room full during our freshman year, which obviously wasn't the greatest living situation. I'd also tell myself to go out and make as many friends as possible...when I'm feeling homesick sometimes its nice to just play a board game with friends (note to senior self: bring board games) or cuddle up with blankets and watch a movie (another note: LOTS of DVDs) Pretty much just bring things that remind you of home; things that will, no questions asked, make you happy =]

    Read all 92 answers

  3. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Valparaiso University is a school of high expectations in the academic field and openminded for any student to develop their own identity and become successful.

    Read all 24 answers

  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The social life is probably the worst thing. It's a very small school and not very culterally diverse. Many students don't go out much here, and are focused solely on acedemics. You have to make it fun for yourself. The fun is not going to come to you.

    Read all 19 answers

  5. Describe the students at your school.

    The students in my classes are focused on their education, however, they also seek to have a life outside of the schoolwork and want to have the freedom of such a life.

    Read all 16 answers

  6. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I brag most about the vast number of ways to get involved on campus. There are so many different organizations to be a part of and support that the opportunities are endless. There are a ton of leaderships positions as well as volunteer opportunities to give your life some balance and meaning in helping those around you such as mentoring youth or working at the local soup kitchen which are my two favorites.

    Read all 16 answers

  7. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    The law school is a pretty big thing, as well as the chapel/the fact that its a lutheran school. Also small class sizes

    Read all 15 answers

  8. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    It's really really cold here, but don't let that dishearten you because you can still study abroad and go somewhere warm!!!

    Read all 14 answers

  9. What kind of person should attend this school?

    The program I am enrolled in at Valparaiso University is an Accelerated Nursing program. This is an intense program that lasts a year. Attending this school requires great dedication to one's school work. This is an expensive school in which hardwork is required to be successful if you want to make your education worth the money. Valparaiso is located in a small town, so a person should enjoy a small school atmosphere.

    Read all 14 answers

  10. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    I came from South Florida so this was really the only school I applied for out of state. Obviously the weather and community is very different than what I am accustomed to, but it is not something that negatively affects my opinion of the University. Valparaiso is also much smaller than other Universities I applied too and the majority of the students are white/caucasian. Valpo, however is a growing University so there are many opportunities to get involved with the school and create new groups, organizations, or activities.

    Read all 13 answers

  11. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    It is hard to pick a kind of person who should not attend this school because it is a school that offers a wide range of degrees. I would have to say that this school is not for someone who wants the minimum. Valparaiso University is not inexpensive by any means,but it offers a Lutheran spin on things by always looking at life's experiences through a Christan lens. So, Valparaiso University is not for someone who wants the most basic degree and does not want connection and discussion with others about God.

    Read all 13 answers

  12. What's unique about your campus?

    I love the people that I have met here so far. Also, I like the class sizes and the amount of resources that you have to help you with everything and how accessible the professors are.

    Read all 12 answers

  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    Personally, I came into this school knowing it was of a Lutheran background so I assumed it had strong Christian values. There are people who do, but generally, I feel it does not. It frustrates me having Christian professors who teach improper doctorine and it frustrates me that we are a dry campus but barely enforce people who drink and smoke on campus.

    Read all 11 answers

  14. What are the academics like at your school?

    I am an Engineering Major, and the engineering college is difficult but not impossible. There is also a lot of support for struggling students, especially in engineering.

    Read all 1 answers

  15. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Salt - Student action leadership team. upc - university programming council greek life. Greek life here is fantastic. It is so different than stereotypical greek life. We work extensively with the community through philanthropy.

    Read all 1 answers

  16. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Valpo is a great place. I really enjoy just about everything. It can be a bit windy... probably its biggest downside. The academics challenge me and the people are friendly.

    Read all 1 answers

  17. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    super nice, and absolutely.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

54%

female

46%

male

3,273

Total Undergrad Enrollment

1,139

Total Grad Students

56%

Out-Of-State

43%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

90

Student Organizations

8

Fraternities

7

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

52%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
6%
% Hispanic/Latino
9%
% White or Caucasian
71%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

99% of students attending Valparaiso University receive some sort of financial aid. 31% were awarded federal grants. While 58% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$37,450

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$10,920

Room and Board

49,570

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$15,705
$30 - $48K
$17,477
$48 - $75K
$19,566
$75 - $110K
$22,661
$110K & UP
$25,873

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

FIND SCHOLARSHIPS

Find your perfect match from over 3 million scholarships!

START YOUR SEARCH

CAN YOU GET INTO Valparaiso University?

Complete your profile to see if this school is a fit for you, and what your chances of admitance are.

START YOUR SEARCH

TOP STUDENT RATED COLLEGES IN Indiana

View All Colleges in Indiana