College Choice Names Valparaiso University No. 1 Christian University, No. 2 Overall in Midwest

Valparaiso University is ranked No. 1 overall in the 2015 Fifty Best Christian Colleges and Universities list and No. 2 overall in the 2015 Rankings of Midwestern Regional Universities, published by the independent college search and rankings website College Choice.

“This recognition is a testament to the extraordinary quality and value of a Valpo education,” said Michael A. Joseph, M.A., vice president for enrollment management. “As a University grounded in the Lutheran tradition, we intentionally bring together students of all faith backgrounds who thrive in our intellectually rigorous learning environment.”

College Choice rankings methodology focuses on factors college freshmen say are most important to their college decision, which, according to a survey by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, include academic reputation, net cost, and post-graduation success.

Valpo students represent a variety of faith traditions, with 26 percent Lutheran, 26 percent Catholic, 32 percent other Christian faiths, and 16 percent other. Valpo offers 11 religious services each week in its Chapel, and many students are involved with ministries at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center, located adjacent to campus. Additionally, Valpo’s more than 130 student organizations include the faith-based Social Action Leadership Team, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, and the Muslim Students Association.

Valparaiso University is consistently recognized for outstanding academics and in 2014 was named the No. 2 Best Regional University for Undergraduate Teaching by U.S. News and World Report. Through a commitment to academic excellence and a proven career services strategy, Valpo alumni attain job and graduate school placement throughout the country and the world. Recently, Valpo announced its overall placement rate for 2013–2014 graduates is 94.5 percent, marking the 22nd consecutive year of graduate placement above 90 percent.