Valparaiso University

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Average Rating: 58.7 Average Consensus: 69 Average Review: 76.8
No College Consensus
AVERAGE: 69
No Publisher Consensus
AVERAGE: 58.7
75
Student Consensus
AVERAGE: 76.8
Student Reviews
Scores last updated on January 6, 2024
94%
Percent Admitted
56%
4-year Graduation Rate
2,958
Enrollment
11.0:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$40,463
Average Undergraduate Students Aid
$44,796
In-State Tuition and Fees
$44,796
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
= Average
Sector
Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Religious Affiliation
Lutheran Church in America

Valparaiso University is located in Valparaiso, IN, just 20 miles from Gary and 15 miles south of Lake Michigan. Valpo, as it is affectionately called, was founded in 1859 as Valparaiso Male and Female College; it is one of the first coeducation colleges in the United States. Impact from the War between the States caused the school to close in 1871; it reopened 1873 as Northern Indiana Normal School and Business Institute. In 1900 the school took its current name and in 1925 Valpo was purchased by the Lutheran Church to become the largest independent Lutheran university in the country. Among its graduates, Valpo has educated many state politicians and government officials.

Academic Programs

Valparaiso University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission and offers Associates Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, Masters Degrees, Post-Masters certificates and Doctorates in 70 majors. The university is comprised of 5 colleges: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Nursing and Health Professions and Christ College. Valpo has special recognition for their Nursing, English, Teacher Education and Music programs; the largest programs on campus are in Healthcare disciplines, Business and Engineering. Currently, only certain Masters programs are available online, but the school does have several internships for undergraduate students. All incoming freshmen are required to take the “Core” curriculum called “the Human Experience.” It includes intensive study on such topics as origins, education, love, leadership/service, work/vocation and life & death. According to the Mission Statement, Valpo is “a community of learning dedicated to excellence and grounded in the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom, and faith, [and] prepares students to lead and serve in both church and society.”

Student Life

Valparaiso University enrolls approximately 4,500 students and there are over 100 clubs and student organizations to get involved with. On campus housing includes 8 residence halls and apartments, and there is a significant Greek presence. Intramurals are available for the casual athlete; for the varsity competitor, the brown and gold Crusaders field teams in 11 sports and participate in NCAA Division I-AA competition. Valpo’s vision is that “Valparaiso University will be renowned worldwide for preparing women and men who are highly sought for their knowledge, character, integrity, and wisdom.” These elements are developed as part of the school’s Core Values of Excellence in teaching, Encouragement of a questioning spirit through freedom of thought and expression, Experiential and integrated teaching and learning, Close relationship among scholarship, research, teaching, and learning, Resourcefulness in seizing new curricular and learning opportunities as well as Integration of faith and reason, Importance of study within a living/learning community, Concurrent cultivation of intellectual, moral, and spiritual virtues, Close interaction among students, faculty, and staff, Education for people at all stages of their lives, Environmental stewardship, Widest possible economic accessibility for students to the university and Collaboration and transparency in university governance.

Ready to start your journey?

Ready to start your journey?