Valparaiso University (VU)

Black Pinpoint Duesenberg Welcome Center 1620 Chapel Dr. | Valparaiso, IN | 46383

01. Overview

What the school is known for:

Valparaiso University, a small Lutheran university, “is a serious academic community with strong, but not forceful, religious background†that “prepares, motivates, and challenges tomorrow’s leaders, engineers, nurses, and teachers while giving the opportunity for religious growth.†Business, education, and engineering are the most popular general areas of study, and are among Valpo’s most celebrated departments. Other standout disciplines include nursing, music, theater (“the department involves touring professional directors a couple times a year, which speaks for itself†and “puts on great playsâ€), and one of the nation’s largest meteorology programs (which “just erected a stateof-the-art Doppler radar, putting Valpo at the forefront for undergrad meteorologyâ€). Undergrads here appreciate the breadth of excellent offerings as well as “the school’s ability to integrate the liberal arts with a variety of majors...As a student, I have been able to study engineering as well as hermeneutics, child development, and read classic texts ranging from Aristotle and Plato to Chuang Tzu and Derrida.†Valpo operates under an honor code students say, “creates an environment of trust and high moral responsibility.†“People follow the honor code, especially because the punishments are strict, such as failing the class for a first offense,†one student tells us. A few dissenters feel “the honor code may reduce some cheating, but I don’t think it comes near to eliminating it.†Outstanding students may enroll in Christ College, an honors college, which they describe as “very intense but very rewarding.â€

02. Rankings

Rankings and Lists

03. Admissions & Acceptance Rate

Applicants Icon
Applicants
5,912
Acceptance Icon
Acceptance Rate
89%
GPA Icon
Average HS GPA
3.69

SAT & ACT Test Scores

What would you score on the digital SAT today?

Testing Policies

Standardized testing policy for
use in admission:
Test Optional

Other Admission Factors Academic

Admission Factors Icon
Rigor of Secondary School Record
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Academic GPA

Selectivity

4. Cost, Tuition, Expenses

Expenses per Academic Year

Tuition
$48,820
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,200
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
6000
Transportation for Commuters
$1,000
Approximate Expenses per year
$57,020

Students Also View These Schools

05. Academics

Student Faculty Icon
Student/Faculty
11 : 1
Acceptance Icon
Total Faculty
282

Gender

Women
155
Men
127
International
4
Minority

Class/Lab sizes

Most frequent class size
10-19
Most frequent lab/sub section size
10-19

Rating

Graduation Rates

University Degrees

Associate
Bachelor's
Certificate
Doctoral/Professional
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Terminal Associate

06. Student Body

What students say:

One student estimates that “conservative, churchgoing studiers†make up about two-thirds of the Valpo student body. Most “come from somewhere in the Midwest,†with many “from the Chicagoland area.†The typical student is “here to learn. There are some who are just here for the party, but there are not many.†Because “meteorology and engineering are large areas of study, there are some students who are ‘nerdy,’ but no one is left out of university activities.†Valpo has “few minority students,†and “it would be nice to have a little bit more diversity.â€

Gender

57% female43% male

Out of State

46% are out
of state
54% are
in-state

Students

97% are
full time
3% are
part time

Student Body Profile

Total Undergraduate Enrollment
2,123
Foreign Countries Represented
32

Student Body Demographics

American Indian or Alaskan Native
0.09%
Asian
3.67%
Black
6.31%
Hispanic
13.52%
Caucasian
65.76%
Unknown
2.21%
International
4.10%

07. Mental Health

08. Campus Life

What students say:

“There are several activities to choose from on Valparaiso’s campus on a typical weekend, ranging from philanthropic dance parties at fraternity houses to music recitals to special guests speakers (to name just a few),†students tell us. Religious groups are active, and not just the Lutherans. The Catholic Church “is very active†here, offering “a student mass Sunday nights with a meal afterward, which is very nice†and “at least three events each week.†Athletics are also popular. “We have Division I athletics, so it’s fun to watch if you don’t play, but Valpo also offers club sports (like Ultimate Frisbee) and intramurals for all student to participate in.†The VU campus is officially dry, but that doesn’t mean students don’t drink. An aggressive campus police force means “there is lots of fear of getting arrested when drinking, but people do it anyway.†Fraternities “have parties every Friday night,†which helps to offset the perception that “the city of Valpo is horrible†because “there’s not much to do†there. “If you can’t entertain yourself, this is not the place for you,†students warn. When they need big-city diversion, students will “hop on the train to go over to Chicago, an hour ride, for about six dollars, and get a CTA day pass for four dollars (to ride Chicago’s transit all day).â€

Students
57%
First-Year Students
69%
Campus Environment
Suburban
Help finding off-campus housing
No

9. Campus Visits

Campus Visits Contact

Mike Targonski
Director of Enrollment Events and Operations
Location Icon
Office of Admission Duesenberg Welcome Ctr., 1620 Campus Dr. Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone icon
219-464-5000 ext. 7112

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center

Monday through Friday

Calendar icon
8am-5pm
Phone icon
219-464-5000 ext. 7112

Campus Tours

Appointment Required:
Yes
Dates:
Varies
Times:
Varies
Average Length:
2 hours

Visits

CLASS VISITS

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

FACULTY AND COACH VISITS

Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Contact Admission Office or register online for faculty appointment; contact coaches directly for coach visits
Advance Notice
1 week
 

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews:
Yes
Information Sessions:
Available
Times:
Information sessions are part of all campus tours

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Other
Limitations
Admitted Students

Campus Tours


TYPES OF TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE TO CAMPUS

Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, is approximately 75 miles from Valparaiso. Chicago's Midway Airport is approximately 55 miles from Valparaiso, and South Bend's Michiana Regional Airport is about 55 miles from Valparaiso. The Gary/Chicago International Airport is approximately 30 miles from Valparaiso. AMERICAN LIMOUSINE SERVICE American Limousine services the Chicago, Gary, and Indianapolis airports. 1-800-729-1623 www.americanlimo.org COACH USA Serving Northwest Indiana and Chicago's suburbs, the Coach USA bus leaves from a stop in Portage 15 miles northwest of Valpo, running every hour, and travels to and from O'Hare and Midway airports. At the airport, be sure to get on the bus going to Northwest Indiana. 1-800-248-TRIP www.coachusa.com GREYHOUND Greyhound has stops in Northwest Indiana, including Gary and Michigan City, with connections to major cities throughout the country. 1-800-231-2222 www.greyhound.com SOUTH SHORE LINE With a station 20 minutes away from Valpo in Chesterton, ride the South Shore east to the South Bend airport or west to downtown Chicago where you have same-station access to Chicago METRA trains, and nearby 'L' Train access. www.nictd.com V-LINE TRANSIT SYSTEM The newest transportation option in the Valparaiso area, the V-Line bus system currently has four routes with stops at locations including the South Shore Line, Valparaiso University, and downtown Valparaiso. www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/v-line/index.html ChicaGo DASH express bus service operates early morning weekday buses to Chicago with late afternoon return trips to Valparaiso. 219-462-1161 www.chicagodash.com


DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS TO CAMPUS

From I-65: Exit at US-30 East in Merrillville. Proceed approximately 12 miles east to Valparaiso. You will see the US-30 entrance to the University on the left (on the north side of US-30), leading towards the Chapel. You may also continue past this entrance and then turn left at the Sturdy Road stoplight at the edge of campus (If you drive past Wal-Mart, you have gone too far). The entrance to the University is 100 yards on the left. From I-80/90 or I-94: Exit at IN-49 South in Chesterton. Proceed approximately 8 miles south to Valparaiso then exit onto US-30 West. Turn right on Sturdy Road (second stoplight). VU's entrance is 100 yards on the left. You may also continue past the stoplight and then turn right into the US-30 entrance. From O'Hare and Midway Airport Take I-294 South (Tri-State Tollway) to I-80/90 East, towards Indiana. When I-80 and I-94 split, you can take either highway, I-80 joins I-90 and is a toll road while I-94 remains toll free. In Chesterton, take the Indiana 49-South exit to US-30 West. After passing through the second stoplight, you will see the entrance to campus on your right. From Midway, take Cicero Avenue south to I-294. Approximate Driving Times Chicago 1 hour Milwaukee 2.5 hours Indianapolis 2.5 hours Toledo 3 hours Detroit 4 hours St. Louis 5 hours Minneapolis 8 hours Please allow yourself additional traveling time when driving on 80/94 from Chicago due to road construction.

LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Near by: *** - Mid-Scale Hotels ** - Value Properties Best Western University Inn at Valparaiso *** 760 Morthland Drive ? Valparaiso 219.850.1100 1.4 miles from campus http://bestwesternindiana.com/hotels/best-western-university-inn-at-valparaiso Country Inn & Suites *** 2020 LaPorte Avenue ? Valparaiso 888.201.1746 ? 219.476.0000 Across from campus Ask for ?prospective student? discount https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-valparaiso-in Fairfield Inn & Suites *** 2101 E Morthland Drive U.S. 30 East & Ind. 49 ? Valparaiso 800.228.2800 ? 219.465.6225 Across from campus https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vrpfi-fairfield-inn-and-suites-valparaiso/ Hampton Inn & Suites *** 1451 Silhavy Rd. ? Valparaiso 800.HAMPTON ? 219.531.6424 Across from campus https://www.hilton.com/en/hampton/ Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites *** 1251 S Silhavy Rd ? Valparaiso 800.Holiday ? 219.464.9395 Ask for the Valparaiso University rate https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/valparaiso/vpzin/hoteldetail Inn at Aberdeen (B&B) *** 3158 S. Indiana State Road 2 ? Valparaiso 219.465.3753 4.02 miles from campus https://innataberdeen.com/ Super 8 Motel ** 3005 John Howell Drive, Valparaiso 800.454.3213 ? 219.386.3029 1.73 miles from campus super8.com Valparaiso Inn *** 301 Washington Street ? Valparaiso 219.242.8934 1.2 miles from campus https://valpoinn.com/ OTHER LOCAL LODGING Best Western Indian Oak Resort *** 558 Indian Boundary Rd. ? Chesterton 219.926.2200 13.03 miles from campus https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US.html Candlewood Suites ** 8339 Ohio Street ? Merrillville 219.791.9100 15.75 miles from campus https://www.candlewoodsuites.com/hotels/ Dunes Walk Inn *** 1491 N Furnleigh Ln ? Chesterton 219.728.6393 16.58 miles from campus http://www.duneswalkinn.com/ FairBridge Inn Express ** 713 Plaza Dr. ? Chesterton 219.929.4416 13.15 miles from campus https://www.choicehotels.com/indiana/chesterton/econo-lodge-hotels?brand=EL Gray Goose Inn (B&B) *** 350 Indian Boundary Rd. ? Chesterton 219.926.5781 13.16 miles from campus https://www.graygooseinn.com/ Hilton Garden Inn *** 501 Gateway Blvd Ind. 49 at Interstate 80/90 ? Chesterton 219.983.9500 10.12 miles from campus https://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/ Spring House Inn *** 303 N. Mineral Springs Rd. (CR 100W) ? Chesterton 219.929.4600 14.64 miles from campus https://springhouseinn.com/ Red Roof Inn ** 8290 Georgia St I-65 & U.S. 30 ? Merrillville 219.738.2430 https://www.redroof.com/property/in/merrillville/RRI015 15.87 miles from campus


10. Sports & Athletics

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Athletic Division I

Participate in intramural sports
33%
Participate in intercollegiate sports
17%

Men's Sports (Beacons)

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Basketball
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Cross Country
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Diving
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Football
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Golf
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Swimming
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Track Field Indoor
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Track Field Outdoor

Women's Sports (Beacons)

Icon
Basketball
Icon
Bowling
Icon
Cross Country
Icon
Diving
Icon
Golf
Icon
Soccer
Icon
Softball
Icon
Swimming
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Tennis
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Track Field Indoor
Icon
Track Field Outdoor
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Volleyball

11. Housing & Activities

Hosting Features

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Apartment Single
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Disabled Student
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Dorms Coed
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Frat Sorority
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Other

Special Needs Admissions

Director
Christina Hearne
College Entrance Tests Required
Yes
Interview Required
No

Student Activities

Registered Student Organizations
139
Number of Honor Societies
36
Number of Social Sororities
7
Number of Religious Organizations
7
Join a fraternity
26%
Join a sorority
29%

12. Student Services

Health

Military

Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Valparaiso University cadets are affiliated with the University of Illinois at Chicago/Purdue University Northwest detachment.
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Valparaiso University cadets are affiliated with the University of Notre Dame detachment.

Sustainability

School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Public GHG inventory plan
Yes

Green rating

94%

Food budget spent on local/organic food

36%

Available Transportation Alternatives

School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
Checkmark icon
School Developed Bicycle Plan
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CAMPUS SECURITY REPORT

The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.

Please visit 91³Ô¹Ï's page on campus safety for additional resources:

Visit Page
Warning Icon

91³Ô¹Ï publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education:

Other Information

Campus-wide Internet Network
Checkmark icon
Fee for Network Use
X Mark icon
Partnerships with Technology Companies
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Personal computer included in tuition for each student
X Mark icon
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
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Description Dell, Lenovo, Apple

13. Financial Aid

Dates

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Notification DateNov 15

Required Forms

FAFSA

Financial Aid Statistics

Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$39,202
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$37,045
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,429
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
52%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$14,441
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$36,036
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes

Available Aid

Financial Aid Methodology
Scholarships and Grants

Need-Based Aid

01 - Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
02 - Need-Based Federal Nursing Scholarships
03 - Need-Based Federal Pell
04 - Need-Based Private Scholarships
05 - Need-Based SEOG
06 - Need-Based State Scholarships

Federal Direct Student Loan Programs

01 - Direct PLUS Loans
02 - Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
03 - Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL):

01 - College/university loans from institutional funds
02 - Federal Nursing Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes

14. Career Services & Jobs

Graduation Rates

Career Services

01 - Alumni Network
02 - Alumni Services
03 - Classes
04 - Interest Inventory
05 - Internships
06 - Regional Alumni

Opportunities at School

01 - Coop
02 - Experiential
03 - Internship

15. Majors

Down Arrow Icon

01 BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.

  • Biochemistry.
  • Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
  • Exercise Physiology.
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02 BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.

  • Accounting.
  • Business Administration and Management, General.
  • Business/Commerce, General.
  • Finance, General.
  • Management Science.
  • Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
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03 COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.

  • Communication and Media Studies.
  • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other.
  • Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
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05 EDUCATION.

  • Elementary Education and Teaching.
  • Music Teacher Education.
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07 ENGINEERING.

  • Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
  • Civil Engineering, General.
  • Computer Engineering, General.
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Engineering, General.
  • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.
  • Mechanical Engineering.
  • Pre-Engineering.
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08 ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.

  • Creative Writing.
  • English Language and Literature, General.
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10 HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.

  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management.
  • Music Therapy/Therapist.
  • Public Health, General.
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
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11 HISTORY.

  • History, General.
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12 LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.

  • General Studies.
  • Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
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13 MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.

  • Mathematics, General.
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14 MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.

  • Biological and Physical Sciences.
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
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16 PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.

  • Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
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18 PHYSICAL SCIENCES.

  • Astronomy.
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General.
  • Chemistry, General.
  • Physics, General.
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19 PSYCHOLOGY.

  • Psychology, General.
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21 SOCIAL SCIENCES.

  • Criminology.
  • Economics, General.
  • Geography.
  • Political Science and Government, General.
  • Social Sciences, General.
  • Sociology.
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22 THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS.

  • Theology/Theological Studies.
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23 VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.

  • Art/Art Studies, General.
  • Music, General.

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