Valparaiso University Named Among Nation’s Best Universities by U.S. News & World Report

For three decades, U.S. News & World Report has identified Valparaiso University as one of the best universities in the country. In the 2021 edition, released today, Valpo was ranked No. 160 among more than 380 of the nation’s most elite public and private doctoral granting institutions.
“We are honored that U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized the outstanding education at Valparaiso University,” said Colette Irwin-Knott ’81, University Interim President-Elect. “These rankings are more than badges and accolades — they are a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our students, faculty and staff and to Valpo’s steadfast commitment to deliver quality, affordable education to young women and men of promise who are called to seek truth, serve generously and cultivate hope.”
In addition to overall University rankings, Valpo’s ABET-accredited College of Engineering is the No. 13 Best Undergraduate Engineering program nationally. The College features six distinct disciplines, including a newly added major in environmental engineering. The College also recently introduced a minor in mechatronics and, through a partnership with the College of Business, which is included as one of U.S. News’ Best Business Programs in the nation, a major in integrated business and engineering.
Valpo engineering students benefit from world-class facilities such as the James S. Markiewicz Solar Energy Research Facility, which houses the only solar furnace at an undergraduate institution in the United States. Last fall, the Richard E. Beumer, P.E., Environmental Engineering Lab was completed and dedicated to support Valpo’s flourishing environmental engineering program.
For the second consecutive year, Valpo is included in the Doctoral/Professional University category, a recent Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Along with two Doctoral Research University categories, these categories form the foundation for the national university ranking by U.S. News & World Report.
Valpo is once again listed as one of the Best Undergraduate Teaching universities in the nation. This ranking focuses on institutions where administrators are committed to teaching undergraduate students in a high-quality manner, and Valparaiso University has achieved this recognition for the past eight years. Valpo students learn from faculty who are invested in their current and future success and who challenge them to achieve their personal best. This fosters a learning environment where students become stronger collaborators and communicators with their peers and who graduate to become confident leaders in their fields.
Expanding academic programming and campus infrastructure, Valpo continues to find innovative ways to prepare students for success after graduation. Valpo has recently introduced a number of academic programs, including music therapy, occupational therapy and supply chain and logistics management. Students receive a strong return on their investment, and Valparaiso University was named the No. 38 Best Value in the nation among all National Universities.