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Valparaiso University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

See Valparaiso University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Valparaiso University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Valparaiso University reviews, or contribute your own Valparaiso University review if you're a current student there.

  • 12 out of 13 people found this review useful.

    Abigail from Kendallville, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Guys, I can't stress more how amazing Valpo is. It is such an amazing fit for me and so many students. There is so much to do! There is a train station right in Valpo that you can take the V-line to (free bus system that goes anywhere in town). The train goes straight to Chicago which is only 45 minutes away! We have a brand new union, great food, amazing clubs and people, and the education you get here will not only be well instructed, you'll have experience as well! The teachers are wonderful, kind, and extremely helpful- all of my professors know me by name! And I haven't even started on the beautiful campus and the chapel (2nd largest college chapel in the world... first in the U.S.). PLEASE visit the campus if you can! It'll blow you away! I'm more than happy to house visitors- my roommate and I are living in a larger room! Contact me if you ever have questions or need help!
    Great for these types of students

    engineers, communications, artists, christians, non-christians, mathematics, nursing... heck... everyone!

  • 5 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Rachel from WI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Valparaiso offers a great honors program that usually has a group of 80-100 freshmen in it. They compose music, choreograph, write, and act in a drama production each fall, which definitely brings the whole class close together! In general, however, the classes are interesting and as long as you plan, you get to take all the classes you need in order to be prepared to graduate in your major while also having the chance to take some fun courses.
    Am enjoying being here

    There are lots of activities to get involved in on campus, and you will definitely get a lot of invites the first semester of college. The freshmen dorms are all close to each other and the Union as well, which is nice, and there's always something to do if you look hard enough, even if it means joining the group in the lounge that's playing a game or getting friends together to go on a late-night slurpie run.
    Bang for the buck

    Tuition is kind of pricey, but if you apply early in the year and make sure to fill out all your paperwork, Valpo tends to offer a lot of financial aid. I have a friend who actually chose another school based on cost, and when her admissions adviser found out, he talked to his boss and called her back with an even better offer than the other school!

    Your adviser will also work really hard to make sure that you can graduate in four years - especially if you know from the outset what you want to major in. They don't want to make you pay tuition for any more years than you have to, so they guide you through each step of the scheduling process.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you get an invitation to join the honors program, apply! I know quite a few kids who turned them down and regret it now.

    If you can, make direct contact with someone in your department or the person who will be your major adviser. They can definitely give you a feel for what classes you'll have to take and how flexible your schedule will be if you want to graduate in 4 years.

    Be sure to visit the campus before deciding to attend. Be aware that the campus is not in the middle of an exotic locale - sometimes it may seem like there aren't a ton of things to do, but you'll be surprised how many things there are to do if you look.
    Great for these types of students

    Honor students, engineers, meteorology students, nursing majors, people who don't want to go to a big, impersonal college

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Amanda from Valparaiso, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Valpo isn't just the place where you learn how to write better, read better, or body systems. You learn about who you are at Valpo. In the short time I've been here, I already feel like this is my home! This is the most amazing place I've ever been and each day I learn something new!
    Am enjoying being here

    Valpo is such an open environment! I meet new people all the time, and everyone is so friendly! I walk by people around campus that I don't even know, and they say hi to me and smile! I've had complete strangers ask me how I'm doing on that day. You have your normal debbie downers, but the amount of positive energy around her is amazing.
    Bang for the buck

    Valpo is expensive. I'm not going to lie to you about that. However, most kids get a LOT of financial aid, and the financial aid office is always here to help you. Plus, it's worth every penny for the things you experience!
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't decide on a college [either for or against it] without visiting it first. When I first heard about Valpo, I didn't want to come here. I was dead set against it, but then on a visit [that I had to go on against my will] I feel in love with this place! The campus just has this feel of great energy.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone could find there place at Valpo. Whether you're into music or business or different cultures, it's all available here! As long as you have a good attitude, you could belong at Valpo!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Matthew from Fort Wayne, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am enjoying being here

    There are so many nice people here. I don't see myself as someone who is very good at making friends, but I met a lot of great people right from the start!
    Great for these types of students

    Valparaiso's Engineering Department is great! I've been learning so much already, and I'm only halfway through my freshman year!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    LaTanya from Hammond, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am a current student at Valpo, we having amazing oppurtunities here. You always have a chance to speak to your teachers one on one. I am in one of the few classes with 150 students and the teache still knows us by name. Everyone is here to help you even your peers are very helpful. The classes are hard its a step up from high school but it is not too bad.
    Am enjoying being here

    I like Valpo, for most people here they are 2 hours or ess from home. Everyone here i always very nice and helpful. You can always find something to do, school related or not.
    Bang for the buck

    I think our education is pretty good for the money, and Valpo gives out gift aid, and they have a lot of grants to offer.
    Tips for prospective students

    I think when you get here it is easy to get off on a bad foot because for the first time you don't have your parents telling you what to do. If you stay focused it is not that much harder than high school. It is just going to be a little bit more reading, and you have to get used to shorter school days, and you might have classes at night. If you fall behing go for help as soon as you get confused.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for any type of student.

  • 2 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Allison

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I love the learning environment here at Valpo! The professors are so nice and very approachable. They set their own office hours for students to come talk with them and most have an open door policy. Several help sessions are available if needed and there is a great tutoring program through the library also. The classes here are truly interesting and very engaging, which makes you actually want to go to class! I can honestly say that Valparaiso University provides a student with a fantastic education, and more importantly, with a desire to learn!
    Am enjoying being here

    I just started here at Valpo only a few months ago and I already feel at home. The people here are friendly and always inviting. Everyone seems to be very involved in the numerous activities, organizations, and service projects offered here and I love the sense of community all the students and faculty have for one another.
    Bang for the buck

    Going to college anywhere is extremely expensive, especially to a private university. However, it is the private schools who tend to give out more scholarships, making them more reasonable compared to public institutions. Valpo offers many scholarships, especially to those early applicants. So don't be intimidated by the sticker price because that is not at all what you will actually be paying. I feel that by going to a private college you get more one-on-one attention and are not just seen as a number. Therefore, I feel the payoff is well worth the few extra dollars in the end.
    Tips for prospective students

    The advice I would give any prospective student is to look around at several colleges (both big and small, public and private, instate and out). This comparison can really help, so go and visit the schools as well. Making the actual decision can be very stressful, but just weight all of your options and pick the college which fits you best and where you truly feel like yourself at!
    Great for these types of students

    Valpo is made up of a diverse group of students. For this reason, almost anyone could fit in here. However, if you like to be involved, serve your community, travel the world, meet some amazing people, and want to simply make a difference, then Valpo is definitely for you!!

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Bethany from SCHERERVILLE, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Valpo U not only offers a lot, the professors here make sure that you are reaping ALL the benefits that are offered. With small classes and dedicated educators, you can't go wrong here. The professors and the administration here are absolutely amazing. They do their best to see you through and are always willing to lend a helping hand or give you some extremely helpful advice. No student is ever left behind here. The curriculum at this institution is fantastic, and it prepares each student for what they will encounter in their chosen career paths. When I graduate from Valparaiso University, I know that I will be confident in my ability to not only succeed but to excel in my profession.
    Am enjoying being here

    There's a lot to do around campus at Valparaiso University. Not only do we have a phenomenal residential life staff, we also have a University President that is very engaged in the community. He wants to see us do well academically, but he also wants us to enjoy the time that we spend here. We have many campus events that range from concerts (with performances by Relient K, The Academy Is, Kris Allen, and many more!) to ice cream socials. The best part is that the people on campus are fun and exciting. Everyone is enthusiastic about the things they are involved in, and everyone likes to be involved. There's almost never a dull moment.
    Bang for the buck

    The expense of Valpo is by no means cheap, but it's not impossible. Valpo offers a fantastic financial aid department with advisors that are devoted to helping you find as much as you can to help pay for school and make things easier for you. They are clear and patient, and they are always willing to sit down and explain everything in detail to anyone that asks.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't wait on applying! Prepare and prepare some more! Start saving and start thinking about what you want to do. Email any prospective professors and schedule a meeting with them to discuss your academic future. Come for a campus tour, eat in the dining hall, and meet students that are currently enrolled. Ask them their opinions, see what they think. Try to get a feel for the wonderful environment of this campus. Experience it first hand by sitting in on a class and observing the teacher/student interaction. ASK QUESTIONS!! Lastly, be excited! You're about to start a new and glorious chapter in your life, and Valparaiso University is a GREAT place to do that!
    Great for these types of students

    Every and any type of student can find a niche here at Valparaiso University. When you hear people say there's something for everyone, it doesn't always apply, but at Valpo, it DEFINITELY does! There are clubs, there are fantastic academic programs, there are activities, there are events! There are SO many opportunities for anyone to get involved here and find a home in Valparaiso University.

  • Elizabeth from Green Bay, WI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am a Chemistry and Biology double major and the classes are challenging and interesting. I feel the chemistry department is superior to the biology department and that has driven my interest in graduate programs toward that end of my degree spectrum.
    Am enjoying being here

    The community is wonderful. Even though it's a Lutheran school, you do not need to be Lutheran to attend. I, myself, am Catholic. It doesn't matter your denomination, you can find a niche here. I have friends who grew up with no religion at home who have found a relationship with God here and others who haven't attended a mass since coming here. If you are religious, there are so many opportunities to be spiritual. We have 'Chapel Break' every day at 11 am, but most people end up using that time to get lunch. There is 'Celebrate' which is a contemporary service at 10 pm on Wednesdays and 'Candlelight,' a more traditional service, at the same time on Sundays.

    I've met people from all of the colleges here and everyone is so welcoming and understanding. The Catholic student center is full of people and they love to feed you. You make friends with people you never would have met outside of this unique atmosphere.
    Bang for the buck

    I'm getting a great education, even if it is on the expensive side. Valpo does offer a lot of financial aid, but it's still an expensive school. Think carefully on whether you can afford the school. I've seen several people need to drop for financial reasons.
    Tips for prospective students

    Come and visit first. The dorms aren't the greatest, particularly the freshmen ones. There is construction taking place all over campus and there are plans to start increasing enrollment. However, this won't take place for a while. Construction on a new academic and office buildings are taking place now with plans for new student housing to follow. Ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to ask different people the same question; everyone has different opinions.
    If you are accepted into Christ College, it's a lot of work. You lose your Friday nights freshman year and while the credit load for it drops off for it as you move up, the classes do not get easier. Consider carefully whether you can commit to the extra work. Most of the classes do double count to allow you to knock out Gen. Eds. so there is a reward for the extra work. Just be sure you can balance it out.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for everyone from the nerdy to the highly spiritual. If you're looking for a place to be silly and let your nerd side hang out we have groups who play dungeons and dragons and a huge game of Humans vs. Zombies every semester. We have traditional and contemporary masses, some clubs and a great student body. If you don't think you can be open minded, this is not the school for you. We're a pretty diverse group of ideas and people.

  • Cammie from Saline, MI

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    The lecture I sat in on was informational, even though I had never taken any of the classes before. It was a small classroom. The professor was very friendly and easy going. The class was like sitting in a high school classroom: simple, slow, active, and informational.
    Will enjoy being here

    Everyone on the campus was welcoming and friendly. The campus has so much to offer to everyone, and even if you're in the dorm for the night, most people leave their doors open and come in to visit with you. It's hard to be bored on campus.
    Bang for the buck

    For as much as we're paying for the education, we're getting the attention and experience we need. As a Met major, I'm so excited to be in the weather lab, and gaining field experience. The professors want their students to succeed. It's really hard to find flaws at the university.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit the university! You will decide after an overnight stay if Valpo is right for you. Also, work hard your senior year. If you struggled with your GPA like I did over the previous years, the positive grades will help with deciding if you can handle the work at the university.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who like to have one on one time with a teacher, small classes, and who like to have hands on experience with the subjects they're studying.