At $21,583/yr net price, Valparaiso University graduates earn $63,191/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,191/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,583 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,332 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,191/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,191/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,942 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,476/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,334/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,556/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,539/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,871/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $117,572 | $62,281 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,089 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,934 | $25,250 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,485 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $26,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,231 | $26,613 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $25,350 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $48,041 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
67.0% of students at Valparaiso University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Valparaiso University gives you a solid but uneven financial return. At $63,191 median earnings ten years out against a median debt of $26,942, most graduates clear their loans without drowning. But the payoff depends heavily on what you study, and the gap between the top and bottom programs is wide.
Engineering is where the money is. Electrical engineering graduates out-earn accounting graduates by nearly $19,000 a year, despite carrying almost identical debt around $27,000. Mechanical and civil engineering also pay off, and nursing lands close to the school median with slightly lower debt. If you're heading into one of these five programs, the numbers work in your favor.
The risk is what isn't listed. Only the highest-earning programs show up in the data, so any major outside engineering, nursing, and accounting is an unknown. With a 67% graduation rate and 79% retention, roughly one in five of you won't return after freshman year, and one in three won't finish. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome here, and those odds are real.
Net price scales steeply with income. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about $14,476 a year. over $110k, that jumps to $26,871. The middle tiers feel the squeeze most, with the $48-75k bracket paying over $20,000. Lower-income families get meaningful discounts, but no tier here is cheap.
This school fits you if you're committed to engineering or nursing and can finish in four years. The engineering salaries justify the private-school price. If you're undecided on a major, or leaning toward a field not shown in the earnings data, weigh the cost carefully against a public alternative before you borrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valparaiso University worth the debt?
With median debt of $26,942 and 10-year earnings of $63,191, Valparaiso University graduates typically earn enough to manage their student loans. However, the 67% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish, which significantly increases debt risk without the degree benefits.
What are the highest paying majors at Valparaiso University?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $117,572 after 10 years, followed by electrical engineering at $74,576 and mechanical engineering at $65,089. Business and general nursing programs hover around $63,000, which is close to the school average.
Does Valparaiso University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $21,583 per year is reasonable for a private university, suggesting decent financial aid packages. This makes the school more affordable than many private competitors, though still significantly more expensive than in-state public options.
Is Valparaiso University a good investment compared to other schools?
Valparaiso University offers moderate returns with 10-year earnings of $63,191, but the 67% graduation rate is concerning. The school works best for students committed to finishing and choosing high-earning programs like nursing or engineering.