IWU vs. Valpo

Comparable Facts

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

Valparaiso University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,579 students vs. 2,204 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is located in Marion, IN (Distant Town setting); Valparaiso University is in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Valparaiso University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 12:1; Valparaiso University 10:1.

IWU vs. Valpo Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU 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 IWU ($21,766 vs. $23,402).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion are 20.2% lower than at Valparaiso University ($10,868 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 49.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than IWU (about $16,098 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $32,352.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.8% higher at Valpo than at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion (about $16,098 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $32,352.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion as at Valparaiso University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 75.4% larger than aid received by Indiana Wesleyan University Marion students ($37,548 vs. $21,405).

IWU vs. Valpo Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU 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 IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valparaiso University (1170) is 100 points higher than at IWU (1070).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at IWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 960/1180; Valparaiso University 1060/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 19/28; Valparaiso University 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Valpo - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at IWU (3.61).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than IWU (88.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at IWU vs. 9.6% at Valpo.

IWU vs. Valpo Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU 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 Wesleyan University Marion's (70%).
• Graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University Marion earn a median of about $300 more per year than Valpo graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $54,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana Wesleyan University Marion graduates have a $2,896 lower median loan debt than Valpo graduates ($24,104 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, IWU graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($249 vs. $279).
• More Valpo graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IWU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 55%)

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.