Valparaiso University Named No. 1 Best Undergraduate Teaching and No. 1 Best Value by U.S. News & World Report

Valpo Honored as No. 4 in Midwest, Topping U.S. News List for 29 Consecutive Years

For the 29th consecutive year, Valparaiso University has been identified as one of the best universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report magazine. In the 2018 edition, released today, Valpo is the No. 1 Best Undergraduate Teaching University and No. 1 Best Value in the Midwest and the No. 4 Best Regional University in the Midwest, among more than 160 universities in the category.

“We are honored that U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized the outstanding education at Valparaiso University,” said Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., University president. “These rankings are more than numbers and mere accolades — they are a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our students, faculty and staff and to Valpo’s steadfast commitment to deliver quality, affordable education to young women and men who are called to seek truth, serve generously and cultivate hope.”

Notable U.S. News rankings:

  • Valpo is No. 4 in the ranking of Best Regional Universities in the Midwest, which evaluates academic reputation, retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate and alumni support.
  • Ranked No. 1 among regional universities in the Midwest for best undergraduate teaching, with a student-faculty ration of 12:1.
  • Ranked No. 1 in the Best Value category in the Midwest regional universities, with 93 percent of undergraduate students receiving financial assistance through grants, scholarships and other sources.
  • Named No. 3 Best College for Veterans in the Midwest.
  • 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.
  • The ABET-accredited College of Engineering is the No. 14 best undergraduate engineering program in the country.
  • The AACSB-accredited College of Business is included as one of the Best Business Programs in the nation.

Valpo continues to develop innovative academic programs and expand campus infrastructure. This fall, the University opened the Center for the Sciences: Chemistry and Biochemistry, a 55,000-square-foot science laboratory facility. Later this month, the Innovation Hub at Clyde H. McMillan Hall will be dedicated, offering exciting opportunities for both campus and community leaders to advance entrepreneurial efforts. Valpo has introduced a number of academic programs recently, including aviation, bioengineering, data science, a 5-year B.S./M.S. physician assistant studies program and statistics.

Valpo also has a strong athletics program, with 19 Division I teams. This year marks the University’s first in the Missouri Valley Conference, launched with a thrilling victory for the men’s soccer team against Loyola Chicago, Valpo Athletics’ first conference opponent of the season. Since the start of the 2011–2012 season, the Crusaders have made 11 NCAA Tournament appearances across softball, baseball, men’s basketball, men’s tennis, women’s soccer and men’s golf. Valpo also claimed 11 regular season league championships in that time.

Campus in the fall