IU Northwest vs. Valpo

Comparable Facts

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

Indiana University Northwest is larger than Valpo based on total student enrollment (3,041 students vs. 2,579 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University Northwest is located in Gary, IN (Small City setting); Valparaiso University is in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting).
• Indiana University Northwest is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Valparaiso University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University Northwest 15:1; Valparaiso University 10:1.

IU Northwest vs. Valpo Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU Northwest 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 Indiana University Northwest than Valpo ($5,745 vs. $21,766).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University Northwest are 19.4% lower than at Valparaiso University ($10,972 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 475.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU Northwest (about $40,026 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 112.4% higher at Valpo than at Indiana University Northwest (about $25,639 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $22,811.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University than at Indiana University Northwest (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 350.9% larger than aid received by Indiana University Northwest students ($37,548 vs. $8,327).

IU Northwest vs. Valpo Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU Northwest 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 IU Northwest.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valparaiso University (1170) is 120 points higher than at IU Northwest (1050).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at IU Northwest).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Northwest 910/1180; Valparaiso University 1060/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Northwest 18/26; Valparaiso University 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU Northwest - Test optional; Valpo - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.62 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at IU Northwest (3.14).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than IU Northwest (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.5% at IU Northwest vs. 9.6% at Valpo.

IU Northwest vs. Valpo Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU Northwest 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).

• Valparaiso University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Indiana University Northwest's (23%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $14,500 more per year than IU Northwest graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $39,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana University Northwest graduates have a $1,970 lower median loan debt than Valpo graduates ($25,030 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, IU Northwest graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Valpo graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU Northwest students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 33%)

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.