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About

Just call us “Valpo”

If you’ve heard of Valparaiso University you’re probably on a first-name basis with us. Valpo. And we like it that way.  

That’s because warm and friendly is our thing. Since 1859, we’ve been an independent Lutheran school with a reputation for not only incredible academics, but a bright, energetic spirit that attracts students that truly want to make a difference in this world.  

2024 The Wall Street Journal Best Colleges
2023 Washington Monthly Best National University
2024 U.S. News & World Report Best National Universities
2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Value National Universities
2024 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll
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Where Passion Meets Purpose

At Valpo, all the wide-ranging things that define you come together. You’ll reach your full potential. And you’ll do it with our total commitment to guide you, inspire you and bring out your absolute best. Our campus defines a culture where no one is left out. And our approach to hands-on, experiential learning gets you out of the classroom and into real life.

The path you’ll travel at Valpo is exhilarating, to be sure. And one that’s full of personal, spiritual and professional growth. Every day is a chance to realize the “something bigger” you want to be a part of. Every day is a moment to imagine the world you want to live in. And, at the heart of it all, every day is a call to action to channel your passion — and then get out there and make an impact.

As to where you’ll find us: Valpo is located just an hour’s drive from Chicago in Valparaiso, Indiana. We’re close to Lake Michigan and the famous Indiana State Dunes National Park, and an easy drive from just about anywhere in the Midwest.

We hope your journey leads you to us. Know that when you arrive — whether it’s for a campus visit, to start as a full-fledged student or a visit as an alumni — you’ll leave an impression on us, just as we hope to do with you.

 

Academic Programs and Assets

  • More than 70 majors offered in five undergraduate colleges
  • Graduate Studies offering more than 20 programs
  • Valpo Core intensive seminar for first-year students
  • Dedicated Valpo Study Centers in England, Germany, Costa Rica, and China
  • An additional 50+ Study Abroad programs in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Central America, and South America

Graduate Success

  • 97% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduating
  • 85% of pre-med students (and 100% of those from Christ College) are admitted to medical school
  • 50% of Valpo alumni hold at least one graduate degree
  • Alumni network numbers more than 60,000
Graduate Outcomes »

Athletics & Student Life

  • NCAA Division I varsity sports teams in the Missouri Valley Conference, Pioneer League, and Summit League
  • School Colors: brown and gold
  • 100+ co-curricular organizations
  • Ten fraternities, seven sororities
  • 60% of students live on campus
  • Hundreds of students participate annually in concerts, plays, and exhibitions, with access to state-of-the-art performance facilities
  • Students combine perform more than 247,000 hours of community outreach and service-learning annually

Student Body

2,277 Undergraduates
591 Graduate Students

Teaching Faculty

190 full-time faculty
89% highest degree in field
13:1 student-faculty ratio
20 average class size
100% of courses are taught by professors

Academic Profile of Freshman Class

3.73 Average GPA (4.0 scale)

Tuition and Affordability

$45,136 2023–2024 Undergraduate tuition and fees
$13,306 On-campus room/meals
97% students receiving financial aid
$110+ million amount of assistance awarded annually

  • The Wall Street Journal has named Valpo as one of the 2024 Wall Street Journal Best Colleges. Other reports from recent years also recognize Valpo for overall resources, engagement, environment, and outcomes.
  • Both the 2023 Washington Monthly Best National Universities list and 2024 U.S. News & World Report National Universities list name Valpo as one of the best universities in the nation.
  • Valpo has secured a top 50 spot in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Value National Universities rankings, offering students the highest academic quality at the lowest possible cost.
  • Valpo’s acclaimed business program earned a spot on the list of 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Business Programs. The College of Business is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), placing it in the top five percent of business schools worldwide.
  • Valpo is listed in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Computer Science Programs rankings. All undergraduate computer science programs are rated on overall quality by top academics and officials, as well as Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accreditation.
  • Valpo’s undergraduate engineering program is seated at number 14 in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Undergraduate Engineering Programs without a doctorate, evaluated by peer assessment surveys, Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accreditation, and offerings of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
  • Rated by top academics and officials on overall quality, Valpo’s undergraduate BSN program is seen as one of the best in the nation according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing (BSN) Programs list.
  • Valpo is known for fostering the growth of economically disadvantaged students and encouraging the graduation rate of first-generation students, which earned the University a spot on the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Top Performers on Social Mobility rankings
  • Valpo is credited for being one of the best schools for veterans in the 2023 Military Times Best for Vets Colleges list. Student veterans of all statuses are able to find support, valuable resources, and connections on campus and in our community, with Valpo’s Veteran Student Services offering military and veteran admissions, advising, registration, financial aid, counseling, and more.
  • Valpo is recognized for supporting our transfer students on the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll. With over 100 new transfer students just this academic year, our dedication to transfer students continues to grow.
  • Valpo is listed on the 2023 Washington Monthly Best Bang for the Buck Universities: Midwest rankings, which identifies qualifying institutions based on how well they help students attain quality degrees at affordable rates.
  • Valpo is listed on the 2023 Forbes America’s Top Colleges list, ranked based on data focused on overall student success, impressive outcomes for low-income students, return on investment, high graduate salaries, and alumni influence.
  • Valpo is listed as one of the 2024 Best Colleges in Indiana by Niche.com, ranked based on academic quality, overall value, diversity, and athletics, among others.
  • Valpo’s German program has been designated a German Center of Excellence by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG). Valpo is one of first two U.S. collegiate institutions ever to receive this honor.

Accreditations

  • Higher Learning Commission (University-wide accreditation)
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
  • National Association of Schools of Music
  • The Council on Social Work Education
  • AACSB International (College of Business)
  • ABET (College of Engineering)
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc.
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

Approvals

  • The American Chemical Society
  • Indiana Department of Education-Office of Educator Licensing & Development
  • Indiana State Board of Nursing