Despite a high sticker price, this school is affordable for many families due to generous need-based aid. Strong support for lower-income students.
Cost Calculator
What You'll Pay at Valparaiso University
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
The Cost Formula
Tuition
$48K
+
Room
$14K
+
Books
$1,200
=
Sticker Price
$58,437
$48K+$14K+$1,200=$58,437
Your Family Income
Sticker
$58,437
−
Your Aid
$43,158
=
Net Price
$15,279
All Income Levels
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
Valparaiso University Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Summary
Cost Category
Amount
Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price)
$58,437
Tuition and Fees
$48,450
Room and Board
$13,618
Books and Supplies
$1,200
Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships)
-$39,859
Average Net Price (What Families Pay)
$18,578
Valparaiso University Net Price by Family Income Level
Family Income
Net Price
$0–30k
$11,043
$30–48k
$12,055
$48–75k
$15,279
$75–110k
$22,311
$110k+
$24,780
Understanding Your Aid Package
Valparaiso University has a sticker price of $58,437 per year, but most students pay significantly less after financial aid. The actual cost depends heavily on your family's income level.
Key Facts
Sticker price: $58,437/year
Average aid: $39,859 in grants & scholarships
$48–75K families pay: ~$15,279/year
Low-income families: Pay ~$11,043/year
27% of students receive Pell Grants
Financial Aid Profile
💰
27%
Pell Grant Recipients
Lower-income students receiving federal aid
🎓
29%
First-Generation Students
Parents without bachelor's degree
Get personalized cost estimates and assess whether borrowing makes sense.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Typical Debt
Median Student Debt$26,942
Range (25th–75th)$11,500 – $30,000
Median Parent PLUS Loans$28,500
Debt Manageability
0.39x
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
3-Year Default Rate0.0%
Return on Investment
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,191
Earnings Growth
+14%
6 → 10 years post-graduation
Value Added
+$8,337
83th percentile among peers
Earnings Range (10yr post-graduation)
$42,013
25th %ile
$89,612
75th %ile
Frequently Asked Questions about Valparaiso University Cost & Financial Aid
Valparaiso University's published tuition is $58,437 per year. However, after financial aid, the average student pays $15,279—a difference of $43,158.
Families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $11,043 at Valparaiso University. 27% of students receive Pell Grants.
Valparaiso University offers merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, in addition to need-based financial aid. Contact the financial aid office for specific scholarship opportunities.
The median debt for Valparaiso graduates is $26,942, resulting in estimated monthly payments of $286 over 10 years.
Even families earning over $110,000 pay an average net price of $24,780 at Valparaiso—still $33,657 less than the sticker price. Most families qualify for some form of aid.
