Valparaiso University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With an 89% acceptance rate, Valpo is likely within reach if your GPA is near its 3.69 average, so focus on fit, program choice, and affordability. Its listed merit scholarships are GPA-based, with awards starting at a 3.00 GPA. Because Valpo is test-optional, send SAT or ACT scores only if they clearly strengthen your academic profile.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Valparaiso University facts and stats
Valparaiso University enrolls 2,123 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Valpo has a 75% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 70%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1.
Valparaiso, IN
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Key Valparaiso University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
November
Financial Aid Priority
April 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Valpo, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then reserve the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes. Valpo does not list an ED, EA, or Regular Decision deadline, and its listed scholarships do not require SAT or ACT scores, so have any scores ready before you apply rather than timing testing around the April 15 financial aid priority deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
Valpo is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees apply to all students. Tuition and fees are $48,450, and 81% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $26,583. Submit the FAFSA by the April 15 priority deadline.
Valparaiso University’s tuition, fees, room, and board total about $62,068 before aid. About 81% of students receive financial aid, with an average package of $41,220. Merit awards average $26,583, with scholarships such as the Beacon Scholarship starting at a 3.00 GPA and Presidential awards at a 3.40 GPA. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $38,111.
Student life at Valparaiso University
57% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 26% of men join fraternities, and 29% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Anderson University
Anderson, INAcceptance rate: 79.3%
SAT: 940–1160
ACT: 17–24
Ball State University
Muncie, INAcceptance rate: 85.5%
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Bethel University
Mishawaka, INAcceptance rate: 97.7%
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Butler University
Indianapolis, INAcceptance rate: 85.1%
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ACT: 26–31
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