Founded in 1859, Valparaiso University. is a Private college. Located in Indiana, which is a city setting in Indiana, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 3,273 full time undergraduate students, and 1,139 full time graduate students.
The Valparaiso University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 12:1. There are 297 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Valparaiso University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
82%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
0
SAT Range
990-1200
ACT Range
23-29
Admissions at VALPO are considered Less Selective, with ,36% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 12 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
90% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 64% were in the top quarter, and 34% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Valparaiso University.
3%
“We”re apathetic”
31%
“We know about current events and vote”
56%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
10%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
5%
“Sometimes, but not often”
74%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
21%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
11%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
87%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
61%
“We bought the gear”
35%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
3%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
62%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
33%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
44%
“They keep regular office hours”
54%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
13%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
85%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
56%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
26%
“We only party on weekends”
10%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
21%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
74%
“There might be people who do”
5%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
31%
“We know about current events and vote”
56%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
10%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
5%
“Sometimes, but not often”
74%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
21%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
11%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
87%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
61%
“We bought the gear”
35%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
3%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
62%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
33%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
44%
“They keep regular office hours”
54%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
13%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
85%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
98 Students rated on-campus housing 3.6 stars. 7 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
76 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
102 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
102 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
102 Students rated class size 4.6 stars. 67 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
102 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
102 Students rated local services 4.2 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
102 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.
Valparaiso University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Valparaiso University?
45 Students rated Valparaiso University
Rapheal
Prospective04/06/2025
I recently took a class field trip in my Jobs for Americans Graduates class to Valparaiso University and I loved it! From the study areas to the classrooms to the chapel. The buffet style lunch is great and everyone there seems so welcoming and nice. They also have a nursing class which is what I am looking for and its not too far from home!
Kayla
I believe the school is underrated. Not only does it have a high level of education but it also has great people surrounding the community. When I visited I loved the area, vibe, and overall the school. The day of visiting I knew that it was meant to be for me to go to Valparaiso. It is in a great area with many different events and stores. It also is a smaller campus so your class sizes are smaller and more personal with your professors. Everyone I have talked to LOVES it at Valpo which makes it 5/5 stars.
Mark
This school is nothing but a scam. If anyone is brainwashed by their upbringing about doing well in school, going to a good private college, getting a good paying job, I recommend to re-think on what you've been instilled in you during your childhood. Especially if you grew up poor/middle class, I'd re-think on going to such an expensive school when an in-state school would be just fine. If you plan on taking out a bunch of loans and hope you can pay them after you land that dream job, think again! It's better to go to an in-state public school because they're just as good and you save at least 20k per year! Don't go into debt another 80k just for an overrated private college education! Don't fall for the religious bullshit either, my whole atmosphere as a student was filled with kids who didn't give a damn about religion.
And to add to this, their computer science department is absolutely terrible. The professors are super lazy and don't teach you shit. They do not get you job ready at all. Good luck re-learning everything in preparing for job interviews.
Emanuel
As a student, you do not want to come to Valparaiso University. As a black student you really do not want to attend Valparaiso. Tuition costs rise each year and sometimes the aid doesn't cover as much of the ballooning costs as it once did. Educational curriculum is flawed in the sense that they make you take a course called CORE (ENG101) which equates to 10 credits freshman year, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a university that accepts them should you wish to transfer. Ten credit hours is a lot to leave on the table when transferring. For black students the only things that make it worth is are organizations designed to be safe spaces for us such as Black Student Organization. The dining hall employees have proven to be exclusionary/discriminatory to black students so warning!
Eleanor
I love it! The environment on campus just makes it feel like home and there is always something for you to participate in! I highly recommend Valparaiso University to anyone that is looking for a school that has a small family feel but a large campus. Campus is so big that there is always the ability to get some exercise!
Janaye
Valparaiso University has a very tight knit community, which is great for studying and doing homework. However, if you are used to big crowds and tons of noise then this place might drive you a little crazy. Personally, it did not fit the description of college that I got from other college students before I graduated from high school. No one wears pajamas, very rarely do people skip class, and the teachers learn your name. These qualities keep you on task for a great education, but sometimes can be annoying. The academics are good, but there was not a lot to do on campus besides got to the recreational center.
Brianna
Overall, I believe Valparaiso University is a good school and mainly because the students and staff are so welcoming and inclusive. The academics are outstanding and there are plenty of opportunities for students to obtain internships, jobs, research opportunities, and majors/minors to choose from. The only thing holding this university back is he administration which at times is not the nest with communicating with individual students. However after several attempts, many things can become resolved.
Stephanie
I am so happy I selected Valparaiso. The Nursing program is excellent. I start clinicals my sophomore year. My professors are accessible to me when I need help. I loved the dorm and all the activities that we could participate in. I joined a sorority and we do a ton of community service, which I love. Valparaiso has a cute downtown that we can walk to for different restaurants and shops and Chicago is an hour away.
Ashley
Valparaiso has always been one of my favorite universities near me and I have wanted to go there since I was in high school. Their facilities, such as the library, cafeteria, and classrooms are what make it so desirable. Their entire campus is so beautiful and it makes you feel at home when you go to it.
Lacey
Valparaiso University is an institution where there is a place for everybody. You will always be greeted with a friendly smile or a small wave that makes you feel apart of campus. Whether you are a lover of the arts, an avid volunteer, or intrigued by STEM programs, Valpo has it. Your faith can be found or become stronger at Valpo, while inspiring a diverse and inclusive environment for all of its students.
Ashley
I really enjoy Valparaiso University. I am currently in my third year and I have lived on-campus all three years. The housing is pretty good. If there is anything wrong with anything in the room, you simply put in a work request and maintenance comes to fix things pretty quickly. The campus is also very small and it is easy to get to know everyone and even the professors because the class sizes are fairly small. Overall, I really like the university.
Alexis
Hi everyone. My name is Alexis Rudolph. I live in Portage Indiana and I attend school at Valparaiso University. The environment at Valparaiso University is unlike that of many universities. We have students from across 50 different countries. In my first year at Valparaiso University, I had the privilege of meeting and becoming very close friends with one of the students from Pakistan. His name was Abdus. I spent the entirety of the first semester learning about his culture and beliefs. We taught each other various things about our customs. He taught me how to speak a few words in his native language, Urdu: such as One… Two… Three… Four… Five… are equivalent to Ek, Do, Teen, Char, Panch. Another thing I learned is about his religious beliefs. As a Muslim, he believes in no physical contact until marriage, even an innocent handshake. We spent many hours exchanging stories and discussing political ideologies. His main beliefs revolve around the idea of placing women above all other entities. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and friendships that Valparaiso University has provided me with. I have learned new information that I will carry with me throughout my future endeavors. And I have a friendship that I will cherish forever.
Joshua
Valparaiso University is unique for a number of reasons. One of the top reasons is the eclectic nature of the activities that are available. Some of the extracurricular activities include: lecture series over relevant cultural topics, recreational sports, interest groups such as the Asian-American Pacific Islander Coalition, and social organizations. These are just a few examples of the way that Valparaiso University provides the opportunity for experiential learning while in school. In addition, the Valpo community is a very tightly knit group. The smaller size of the university allows students the opportunity to get to know their professors on a personal level, and to engage with other students deeply. Overall, Valparaiso University will provide an excellent experience to any student who is looking to expand his or her horizons.
Faith
Valparaiso University is a great school with a very welcoming environment ranging from the administration themselves all the way to most of the student body. They give out very helpful information on a daily basis and it's hard to be lost or to fail because they make sure that there are resources always available to your advantage.
Thomas
Before attending Valparaiso University, I was hesitant on attending a religious university since I have no religious knowledge or interest. However, I have enjoyed my time here so much. Everyone is so friendly here and all the different classes that I have taken have really expanded my understanding of the outside world.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Valparaiso University is 82%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Although I didn't have too tough of a time transitioning from home life to college life, I would have actually told myself to pack less clothes. My roommate and I (we both roomed blind) packed our tiny dorm room full during our freshman year, which obviously wasn't the greatest living situation. I'd also tell myself to go out and make as many friends as possible...when I'm feeling homesick sometimes its nice to just play a board game with friends (note to senior self: bring board games) or cuddle up with blankets and watch a movie (another note: LOTS of DVDs) Pretty much just bring things that remind you of home; things that will, no questions asked, make you happy =]
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
Valparaiso University is a school of high expectations in the academic field and openminded for any student to develop their own identity and become successful.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The social life is probably the worst thing. It's a very small school and not very culterally diverse. Many students don't go out much here, and are focused solely on acedemics. You have to make it fun for yourself. The fun is not going to come to you.
The students in my classes are focused on their education, however, they also seek to have a life outside of the schoolwork and want to have the freedom of such a life.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
I brag most about the vast number of ways to get involved on campus. There are so many different organizations to be a part of and support that the opportunities are endless. There are a ton of leaderships positions as well as volunteer opportunities to give your life some balance and meaning in helping those around you such as mentoring youth or working at the local soup kitchen which are my two favorites.
The program I am enrolled in at Valparaiso University is an Accelerated Nursing program. This is an intense program that lasts a year. Attending this school requires great dedication to one's school work. This is an expensive school in which hardwork is required to be successful if you want to make your education worth the money. Valparaiso is located in a small town, so a person should enjoy a small school atmosphere.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
I came from South Florida so this was really the only school I applied for out of state. Obviously the weather and community is very different than what I am accustomed to, but it is not something that negatively affects my opinion of the University. Valparaiso is also much smaller than other Universities I applied too and the majority of the students are white/caucasian. Valpo, however is a growing University so there are many opportunities to get involved with the school and create new groups, organizations, or activities.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
It is hard to pick a kind of person who should not attend this school because it is a school that offers a wide range of degrees. I would have to say that this school is not for someone who wants the minimum. Valparaiso University is not inexpensive by any means,but it offers a Lutheran spin on things by always looking at life's experiences through a Christan lens. So, Valparaiso University is not for someone who wants the most basic degree and does not want connection and discussion with others about God.
I love the people that I have met here so far. Also, I like the class sizes and the amount of resources that you have to help you with everything and how accessible the professors are.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
Personally, I came into this school knowing it was of a Lutheran background so I assumed it had strong Christian values. There are people who do, but generally, I feel it does not. It frustrates me having Christian professors who teach improper doctorine and it frustrates me that we are a dry campus but barely enforce people who drink and smoke on campus.
I am an Engineering Major, and the engineering college is difficult but not impossible. There is also a lot of support for struggling students, especially in engineering.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
Salt - Student action leadership team.
upc - university programming council
greek life. Greek life here is fantastic. It is so different than stereotypical greek life. We work extensively with the community through philanthropy.
Valpo is a great place. I really enjoy just about everything. It can be a bit windy... probably its biggest downside. The academics challenge me and the people are friendly.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
99% of students attending Valparaiso University receive some sort of financial aid.
31% were awarded federal grants.58%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
