Butler vs. Valpo

Comparable Facts

Compare Butler University in Indianapolis, IN with Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Butler University is larger than Valpo based on total student enrollment (5,746 students vs. 2,579 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Valparaiso University is in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Valparaiso University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; Valparaiso University 10:1.

Butler vs. Valpo Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler or Valpo? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Valparaiso University than Butler ($21,766 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valparaiso University are 17.1% lower than at Butler University ($13,618 vs. $16,430).
• Valparaiso University is 1.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Butler (about $890 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $47,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.9% higher at Valpo than at Butler University (about $890 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $47,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University than at Butler University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 35.1% larger than aid received by Butler University students ($37,548 vs. $27,790).

Butler vs. Valpo Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler or Valpo? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Valpo and Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Butler University (1260) is 90 points higher than at Valpo (1170).
• Incoming Butler students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Valpo).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; Valparaiso University 1060/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; Valparaiso University 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; Valpo - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Valpo (3.76).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than Butler (85.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 9.6% at Valpo.

Butler vs. Valpo Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler and Valpo? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Butler University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Valparaiso University's (71%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $14,400 more per year than Valpo graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $54,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valparaiso University and Butler graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Valparaiso University and Butler graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Valpo students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 77%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.