Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Valparaiso, Indiana |
| Online | valpo.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Religious Affiliation | Lutheran Church in America |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Valparaiso University, located in Valparaiso, Indiana, sits approximately 50 miles southeast of Chicago in the state's northwestern region. The private Lutheran institution occupies a 350-acre campus characterized by both historic and modern buildings, including the landmark Chapel of the Resurrection, one of the largest collegiate chapels in North America. Founded in 1859, Valparaiso offers undergraduate and graduate programs across five colleges, with particularly strong offerings in engineering, nursing, and business, while its law school maintains a significant regional presence. The university provides traditional dormitory and apartment-style housing options for students, with first-year students required to live on campus. Competing in NCAA Division I athletics, Valparaiso's Beacons participate in the Missouri Valley Conference for most sports, with a historical emphasis on men's basketball.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Valpo is rated within the top 39% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Valparaiso University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#363 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#264 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#11 in Best Colleges in Indiana
#9 in Best Private Colleges in Indiana
#199 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#8 in Best Value Colleges in Indiana
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1080/1310 |
| ACT | 25/30 |
| GPA | 3.76 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,452 |
| Room and Board | $13,306 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,620 |
| Total One Year Cost | $62,714 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 13% |
| Health Professions | 12% |
| Engineering | 10% |
| Social Sciences | 9% |
| Education | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Valpo are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=152600 IPEDS survey data for Valparaiso University.
Current students may use the Valparaiso University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025