Valparaiso University Named Top University by U.S. News for 25 Consecutive Years
Total Enrollment at Highest Level in 33 Years
For the 25th straight year, Valparaiso University has been identified as one of the best universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report magazine. In the 2014 edition, released today, Valpo is listed as one of the top 10 Best Regional Universities, among more than 140 institutions in the category.
“We are honored to once again be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the extraordinary education Valparaiso University offers our students,” Valparaiso University President Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., said. “As we continue to implement innovative academic programs and advance our campus infrastructure, we are recruiting and enrolling students of outstanding caliber who will carry on the Valpo legacy.”
The fall 2013 semester marks the fifth consecutive year of undergraduate enrollment growth for Valparaiso University. At 4,512 undergraduate, graduate and law students, Valpo’s total enrollment increased by 10.6 percent from last year and is the largest in 33 years. Total graduate enrollment, at 733 students, is at its highest level since the Graduate School’s inception in 1963.
The student body has expanded not just in numbers but also in diversity. International student enrollment is at 533 students, a 39 percent increase from last year and the highest international student enrollment in the University’s history. The total percentage of domestic minorities is also at its highest level at 17.7 percent. Valparaiso University is proud to offer students the opportunity to engage in dialogue across cultures and expand their worldview as they prepare to enter an increasingly globalized workforce.
In the past two years, Valparaiso University has dedicated the Donald V. Fites Engineering Innovation Center, built a new classroom building and the Duesenberg Welcome Center, begun a renovation project on the historic Chapel of the Resurrection and completed construction on the Solar Energy Research Facility. Recently, the University broke ground on a new residence hall, which is scheduled to be open to students in fall 2014.
In addition to being listed in the top 10 universities in the Midwest, Valpo ranked second among regional universities in the Midwest in both the best value and best undergrad teaching categories.
Notable U.S. News rankings:
- Valparaiso University was named the No. 3 Up-and-Coming Regional University in the Midwest. These rankings recognize institutions that have recently made the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, student life, campus or facilities.
- Valparaiso University ranked sixth in the ranking of Best Regional Universities in the Midwest, a ranking that includes comprehensive institutions. These rankings take into account academic reputation, retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate and alumni support.
- Valparaiso University was once again placed on the list of A+ Schools for B Students, which measures institutions that provide opportunities for students of different academic achievement levels to thrive.
- Valparaiso University’s College of Engineering tied for 22nd nationally among undergraduate engineering schools.
Valparaiso University combines a focus on professional colleges of business, engineering and nursing with a respected broad-based liberal arts curriculum. Valpo is also committed to providing the best value possible, with undergraduate students receiving significant financial support from the University endowment and other funds, as well as federal, state and private sources, totaling approximately $80 million.
Valpo also ranks in the top 10 of Affordable Colleges Online’s list of colleges and universities in Indiana with the greatest lifetime return on investment and as the No. 4 top master’s university in the nation by Washington Monthly magazine for contribution to public good.
