Acceptance Rate
89%
Avg. SAT
1280
75th percentile
“Lutheran Midwest university blending great books seminars in Christ College with practical engineering training amid friendly small-town camaraderie.”
Valparaiso, IN
Location
Small Suburb
Campus Setting
Valparaiso University traces its roots to 1859, when Methodists established it as an accessible college for working-class students in northern Indiana; Lutheran leaders purchased it in 1925, shaping its enduring faith-based identity without requiring religious affiliation for attendance. You'll find a close-knit community of about 2,600 undergraduates who value collaboration, service, and personal growth, often drawn from the Midwest but welcoming others seeking a supportive environment over cutthroat competition. The campus sits in Valparaiso, a quiet town of 33,000 with tree-lined streets and family vibes, just 30 miles southeast of Chicago for weekend escapes, though the surrounding area's rural feel means fewer urban thrills on a daily basis.
Photo Gallery
+9
+1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
Test-optional schools still weigh strong scores. Submitting can help.
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Christ College stands out as a four-year great books honors program where you'll dive into original texts like Plato and Austen through intimate seminars, fostering deep discussion rather than multiple-choice exams. Engineering draws many students with hands-on projects in civil, mechanical, and electrical fields, supported by co-op programs that place you in real-world jobs early; nursing and business also shine with clinical rotations and case studies. Expect smaller upper-level classes after larger intro lectures, with faculty who know your name, but popular majors like engineering fill quickly and demand solid high school preparation.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
2,123 undergrad • 456 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
62%
Black / African American
6%
Hispanic / Latino
10%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
19%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Valparaiso, IN
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life revolves around strong residential communities in 13 dorms, where first-year floors build instant friendships through events like hall Olympics and study breaks. Basketball electrifies the student section during Horizon League games, especially recalling the 1998 'Valpo Miracle' buzzer-beater, while over 120 clubs cover everything from robotics to outdoor adventures. A typical week mixes classes, chapel services if you choose, coffee shop hangs, and Friday tailgates; the social scene stays tame with moderate Greek life, but cold, snowy winters keep many indoors, and the small town's limited nightlife pushes road trips to Chicago.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Missouri Valley Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$27,433
$30K – $48K
$27,665
$48K – $75K
$24,129
$75K – $110K
$23,786
$110K+
$26,303
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
75%
4 Years Graduation Rate
70%
6 Years Graduation Rate
78%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$63,191
75% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Valparaiso University and return in the fall. 70% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 78% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
70%
4-6 years
8%
Non-grad
22%
Let’s find your perfect tutor
Answer a few quick questions. We’ll recommend the right plan and match you with a top 5% tutor.
Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$43,400
Acceptance
89%
Undergrads
2,123
4-Year Grad Rate
70%
Endowment
$324M
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Explore More