About

About Valparaiso University

lutheran faith traditionsmall class sizesnursing and engineering focusdoctoral programs offeredhigh acceptance rate

Valparaiso University is a private university in Valparaiso, IN, known for its lutheran faith tradition, small class sizes, and nursing and engineering focus. With an acceptance rate of 94%, Valpo is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 604 students each year. Valpo is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1140–1360, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Valpo offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $29,279 per year; the sticker price of $60,488 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Valparaiso University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

94%
Overall Accept Rate
2.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1250
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1140 – 1360 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Valparaiso University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Valparaiso has a distinctive Christ College honors program within its Lutheran academic tradition, so if your essays or activities reflect intellectual curiosity, faith, or service, make those connections explicit rather than leaving admissions staff to guess.
Test Score Strategy
Since Valparaiso is test optional and your scores fall below the range where they would help you, leave them off your application and let your GPA, essays, and activities carry the weight.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Valparaiso University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$60k/yr$11.0k
30k-48k~$60k/yr$12.1k
48k-75k~$60k/yr$15.3k
75k-110k~$60k/yr$22.3k
110k+~$60k/yr$24.8k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

67%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$55k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,597
Undergrad Enrollment
Valparaiso University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch