IU South Bend vs. Valpo

Comparable Facts

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

Indiana University South Bend is larger than Valpo based on total student enrollment (4,631 students vs. 2,579 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

IU South Bend vs. Valpo Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU South Bend 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 South Bend than Valpo ($9,003 vs. $21,766).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University South Bend are 25.2% lower than at Valparaiso University ($10,184 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 475.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU South Bend (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 South Bend (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 South Bend (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 348.5% larger than aid received by Indiana University South Bend students ($37,548 vs. $8,371).

IU South Bend vs. Valpo Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU South Bend 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 South Bend.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valparaiso University (1170) is 100 points higher than at IU South Bend (1070).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at IU South Bend).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 950/1190; Valparaiso University 1060/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 21/23; Valparaiso University 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU South Bend - Test optional; Valpo - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at IU South Bend (3.24).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than IU South Bend (83.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at IU South Bend vs. 9.6% at Valpo.

IU South Bend vs. Valpo Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU South Bend 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 South Bend's (22%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $16,900 more per year than IU South Bend graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana University South Bend graduates have a $2,470 lower median loan debt than Valpo graduates ($24,530 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, IU South Bend graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Valpo graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU South Bend students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 47%)

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.