Fast Facts 2025-2026
LOCATION: Valparaiso, Indiana (population 34,500), one hour southeast of Chicago, 15 minutes south of Lake Michigan
SCHOOL TYPE: Private, Lutheran, Co-Educational, Residential; founded in 1859
CAMPUS: Nearly 300 acres with more than 60 University buildings
Enrollment
University Total: 2,451
Undergraduate: 2,071
Graduate: 380
Freshmen
Enrolled New Freshmen: 498
Religious Affiliation:*
10% Lutheran, 19% Catholic, 43% Other Christian, 28% Other/ Unknown/None/Prefer not to answer
Women/Men: 57%/43%
Indiana Residents: 304
International Students: 8
Ethnicity: 38% of students from underrepresented minorities
Freshman
SCHOOL COLORS, NICKNAME, & MASCOTS: Brown and gold; Beacons; Beacon, the golden retriever, and Blaze, the chocolate lab
MISSION STATEMENT: Valparaiso University, a community of learning dedicated to excellence and grounded in the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom, and faith, prepares students to lead and serve in both church and society.
Academic Profile
Average High School GPA (4.0 scale): 3 68
High School Rank: 28% in top 10% of high school class and 84% in top 50% of high school class
International Students
University Total: 111 (5% of all students)
Undergraduate: 80
Graduate: 31
Countries Represented: 32
Undergraduate Enrollment by College
Student Housing
Students Who Live in On-Campus Housing: 47%
Residence Halls: 6
Apartment Buildings: 1
Fraternity and Sorority Life: 28%
* of those reporting
Fast Facts
Breakdown of Faculty
Full-Time: 191 (86% hold highest degree in field)
Classes Led by Faculty: 100%
Average Class Size: 20
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Retention & Graduation
77.2% of Valpo’s freshmen return after their first year; the national average is 77.7%
65.8% of Valpo freshman students graduate within five years; the national average is 61.7%
After Graduation
Undergraduate Outcome Rate: More than 98% outcome rate within nine months of graduation (employment or graduate school) for nearly 30 years
Christ College — The Honors College: 98.2%
College of Arts & Sciences: 97.2%
College of Business: 100%
College of Engineering: 100%
College of Nursing & Health Professions: 98.1%
Living Alumni: More than 65,000
(continued) * before aid
Costs: Fees & Tuition* (2025–2026)
Tuition/General Fees: $50,390
On-Campus Rooms/Meals $14,300
Total Charges $64,690
Aid Awarded: Scholarships, Grants, Loans, Work Study
97% of undergraduate students receive assistance
31% of undergraduate students choose to work on campus
Valpo Legacy
21% of undergraduate students
24% of Valpo’s faculty are alumni