21st Century Scholar
Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars Program is the state’s promise to hardworking students: enroll in 7th or 8th grade, keep your grades up, stay on track through high school, and the state helps cover up to four years of tuition at schools like Valpo. It’s not about test scores. It’s about commitment, and Indiana backs that commitment with real dollars. The scholarship works alongside your other aid, not instead of it, so it’s one more piece of the puzzle that helps students focus on what matters most: getting the most out of their college experience.
Your Promise, Your Pathway:
21st Century Scholars at Valpo
Established in 1990, the Indiana 21st Century Scholars program is the state’s early college promise initiative. It is designed to make a college degree affordable and within reach for income-eligible Hoosier students. By enrolling in the program during the 7th or 8th grade and completing the Scholar Success Program during high school, students earn up to four years of tuition assistance at an eligible Indiana college or university — including Valparaiso University.
At Valpo, the 21st Century Scholarship is classified as an Indiana State Grant. This is “free money” awarded based on financial need, meaning it does not need to be paid back.
When you bring your 21st Century Scholarship to Valpo, you aren’t just earning a degree—you are stepping into a supportive community built for your academic, personal, and professional success:
Exceptional Career Outcomes: Over 98% of Valpo graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of completion.
Strong Return on Investment: Valpo graduates earn a median starting salary of $60,000—nearly $15,000 higher than the national average.
Expert Mentorship: With small class sizes (typically around 20 students) and 100% of courses taught by professors (never teaching assistants), you will learn directly from Ph.D. experts who know you by name.
Lifelong Career Support: Our Career and Alumni Network provides lifelong career resources that support you during your studies and far beyond graduation.
To ensure your state grant funding is successfully applied to your Valpo student account each year, you must complete several key requirements:
File Your FAFSA Annually (by April 15)
To receive state financial aid, Indiana residents must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than April 15 annually. The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year.
Note: Under Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 167-2023, high school seniors are required to file the FAFSA or affirmatively opt out by April 15.
Complete 30 Credits per Academic Year
To maintain your full state grant funding, you must complete at least 30 credit hours per academic year. Dropping below this threshold or changing your enrollment status to part-time can impact your state aid. Always consult your financial aid counselor before making changes to your course schedule.
Track Your Status in ScholarTrack
Log into scholartrack.in.gov to review your official state grant notice and monitor your eligibility.
- FAFSA Corrections: If your FAFSA requires corrections, the state will email you in April with instructions.
- Final Confirmation: Please note that final state grant eligibility is typically not confirmed by the state until closer to July.
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
All financial aid recipients must continuously meet Valpo’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements regarding GPA and credit completion to remain eligible for renewal.
Financial Aid And Student Accounts
At a Glance
Estimate Your Cost
The Net Price Calculator helps prospective students and families estimate the cost of attending Valparaiso University after grants and scholarships. Based on recent student award data, it provides an estimate of financial aid and remaining costs to help families plan ahead.
These estimates are not guarantees of aid, and students must still complete all admissions and financial aid requirements by the appropriate deadlines. Families with unusual financial circumstances are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance.
Choose Your Pathway
Information for:
Supporting Your Valpo Journey
At Valpo, our Student Financial Services team is here to help you navigate aid and student accounts with personalized support. Student Financial Services consists of the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Student Accounts:
Office of Financial Aid
Kretzmann Hall, Suite 103
1700 Chapel Drive,
Valparaiso, IN 46383
The Office of Financial Aid helps students and families find the best path to funding a Valpo education. From completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and exploring scholarships, to reviewing your aid offer and understanding loan options, our team is with you every step of the way. We’re committed to making a Valpo education attainable for every student we serve.
Office of Student Accounts
Kretzmann Hall, Room 137
1700 Chapel Drive,
Valparaiso, IN 46383
The Office of Student Accounts is your resource for the financial details that come with being a Valpo student. That includes tuition and fee billing, payment plans, refunds, and e-bill access for students, and authorized payers. Whether you need to make a payment, set up a payment plan, or check on your account, we are happy to help.