Principia College vs. Valpo

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Valparaiso University is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (2,579 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Valparaiso University is in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Valparaiso University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Valparaiso University 10:1.

Principia College vs. Valpo Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College 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 Principia College than Valpo ($18,248 vs. $21,766).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valparaiso University are 2.1% lower than at Principia College ($13,618 vs. $13,910).
• Valparaiso University is 39.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Principia College (about $13,770 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.7% higher at Valpo than at Principia College (about $13,770 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University than at Principia College (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 23.5% larger than aid received by Principia College students ($37,548 vs. $30,402).

Principia College vs. Valpo Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia College 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 Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valparaiso University (1170) is 20 points higher than at Principia College (1150).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Valparaiso University 1060/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Valparaiso University 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; Valpo - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. Valpo Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College 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).

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.