Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Valparaiso University at a Glance
Valparaiso University (Valpo) is a private university in Valparaiso, Indiana, United States. It is an independent Lutheran university with five colleges. It enrolls nearly 2,300 students and has a 350-acre (140 ha) campus.
1859
167 years old
$321M
$321.45 million (2025)
2,451
2,071 undergrad · 380 grad
191
350 acres
Identity
Is Valparaiso University Worth It?
Valparaiso University offers moderate value at $18,578/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $63,191, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 69% graduation rate means roughly 31% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Valparaiso University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IN
Ranked #9 of 137 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #4 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #5 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #9 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Valparaiso University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in IN.
Best Programs at Valparaiso University
The highest-earning program at Valparaiso University is Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $67,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $24,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduate from Valparaiso University earns $67,200, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $24,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $26,000 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,578/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $67,200 | $67,200 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $62,500 | $62,500 | $27,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $60,900 | $60,900 | $25,000 |
| Civil Engineering | $57,100 | $57,100 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $47,800 | $47,800 | $26,999 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,000 | $40,000 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,500 | $37,500 | $27,000 |
| Marketing | $35,500 | $35,500 | $26,750 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $32,900 | $32,900 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $30,400 | $30,400 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $29,700 | $29,700 | $26,730 |
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology | $29,200 | $29,200 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $28,500 | $28,500 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $28,300 | $28,300 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $26,400 | $26,400 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $24,500 | $24,500 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Valparaiso, IN
- Student Body
- 2,083 students
- Admission Rate
- 89%
- Graduation Rate
- 69%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,578
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $63,191
- Median Student Debt
- $26,942