Valparaiso University has received multiple top 10 rankings within the Regional Universities (Midwest) category in the U.S. News and World Report 2027 Best Colleges Rankings, which were released today. The university was recognized in the top ten for both value and overall quality among its peers in the Midwest region.
These recognitions highlight the benefits of a Valparaiso University education for its students and for the communities its graduates serve. Eric Johnson ’87, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, commented that these acknowledgments "affirm the enduring value of a Valpo education," emphasizing its foundation in scholarship, freedom, and faith. Johnson further stated that this approach prepares students not only for their professional careers but also for a lifetime of continuous learning and service to their communities.
According to the latest data, Valparaiso University maintains a 98.1% graduate outcomes rate across all its colleges. This figure indicates that nearly all students are either employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of earning their degrees, demonstrating strong post-graduation success.
Among the specific programs receiving national recognition, the College of Nursing and Health Profession’s bachelor of science in nursing programs notably advanced from a national ranking of 160 in 2026 to 94 in the 2027 rankings. This improvement comes at a critical time for Indiana’s healthcare sector, which is currently experiencing significant staffing challenges. Data from the Indiana Capital Chronicle indicates that 40% of nurses statewide are nearing retirement age, and more than half of all Indiana counties face shortages of primary care professionals. By developing future healthcare leaders through its quality programs, Valparaiso University is actively addressing these pressing community needs.
Other colleges within the university also earned national recognition for their quality and outcomes. Undergraduate programs offered in business secured a position within the top 200 nationally. Additionally, undergraduate programs within the College of Engineering were ranked among the top 30 nationwide.
The U.S. News and World Report evaluated universities based on a variety of criteria. These factors included graduation rate, the financial resources available to institutions, the student-faculty ratio, and peer assessment of academic quality.
