Valpo vs. Chatham

Comparable Facts

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

Valparaiso University is larger than Chatham based on total student enrollment (2,579 students vs. 2,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Valpo vs. Chatham Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Valpo or Chatham? 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 Chatham ($21,766 vs. $31,280).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chatham University are 0.1% lower than at Valparaiso University ($13,600 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 8.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Chatham (about $3,824 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $44,626.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.6% higher at Valpo than at Chatham University (about $3,824 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $44,626.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University as at Chatham University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 24.8% larger than aid received by Chatham University students ($37,548 vs. $30,095).

Valpo vs. Chatham Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Valpo or Chatham? 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 Chatham and Valpo.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chatham University (1180) is 10 points higher than at Valpo (1170).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Chatham).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 1060/1280; Chatham University 1070/1295.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 23/31; Chatham University 21/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Valpo - Test optional; Chatham - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Valpo (3.76).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than Chatham (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Valpo vs. 12.7% at Chatham.

Valpo vs. Chatham Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Valpo and Chatham? 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 Chatham University's (60%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $17,300 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chatham University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Valpo graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Chatham graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Valpo graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chatham students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 62%)

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.