Valparaiso University Ranks No. 5 in Midwest as Total Enrollment Continues to Climb
Valpo Tops U.S. News List for 27 Consecutive Years, Honored for Best Teaching and Best Value
For the 27th 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 2016 edition, released today, Valpo is the No. 5 Best Regional University, among more than 140 universities in the category, and is ranked No. 2 in the Midwest for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
“We are honored to once again be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the outstanding education at Valparaiso University,” said Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., University president. “This achievement reflects our unwavering focus on delivering a first-rate, affordable education for students who have a tremendous impact on the world.”
Notable U.S. News rankings:
- Valpo is No. 5 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 in the Best Value category in the regional universities in the Midwest with 95 percent of undergraduate students receiving financial assistance through grants, scholarships and other sources.
- Valpo ranked second among regional universities in the Midwest for best undergraduate teaching and is known for small class sizes and professors who mentor students inside and outside of the classroom.
- Once again, Valpo was 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 College of Engineering is listed as one of the top 25 undergraduate engineering programs in the country.
With 4,544 undergraduate, graduate and law students, Valpo’s total enrollment is at the highest level in 41 years. Total graduate enrollment, at 916 students, is the largest since the Graduate School’s inception in 1963.
As Valpo prepares students to enter an increasingly globalized workforce, it has increased the diversity of its student body. International student enrollment is at 727 students, the highest level in the University’s history. The total percentage of undergraduate American minorities is also at its highest level at 19 percent.
In addition to enrollment growth, Valpo continues to develop cutting-edge academic programs and expand campus infrastructure. In the last year, Valpo opened a suite-style residence hall, broke ground on a sorority housing facility and announced the acquisition of the former Porter Hospital property, which will make room for expanded parking as well as athletic and academic spaces. This month, Valpo will break ground on a science laboratory building and strengthen its longstanding commitment to STEM education.
The College of Business recently launched an entrepreneurship minor, and the College of Engineering added a minor in biomedical engineering. The College of Nursing and Health Professions expanded to include additional health science degree options including public health and a five-year B.S./M.S. physician assistant studies program.
Valpo consistently earns recognition from national and regional rankings and was recently named one of the top 50 colleges in the Midwest by Forbes Magazine and the No. 1 master’s university in the nation for contribution to public good by Washington Monthly.
