Valpo vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN with Wayne State University in Detroit, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than Valpo based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 2,579 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valparaiso University is located in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• Valparaiso University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valparaiso University 10:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

Valpo vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Valpo or WSU? 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 Wayne State University than Valpo ($14,416 vs. $21,766).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valparaiso University are 4.4% lower than at Wayne State University ($13,618 vs. $14,252).
• Valparaiso University is 219% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $33,260 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.2% higher at Valpo than at Wayne State University (about $16,413 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 189.9% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($37,548 vs. $12,953).

Valpo vs. WSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valparaiso University (1170) is the same as at WSU (1170).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at WSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 1060/1280; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 23/31; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Valpo - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at WSU (3.42).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than WSU (81.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Valpo vs. 22.4% at WSU.

Valpo vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Valpo and WSU? 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 Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than WSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $4,742 lower median loan debt than Valpo graduates ($22,258 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Valpo graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 38%)

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.