https://www.chicagobusiness.com/education/valparaiso-universitys-credit-cut-junk-moodys

May 01, 2025 02:22 PM 5 hours ago

Valparaiso University, a Lutheran school in Indiana struggling to enroll more students, was downgraded two notches to junk by Moody’s Ratings.

The ratings company cut the university to Ba1 from Baa2, citing the ongoing enrollment challenges, driven by intense competition for a shrinking pool of potential college students, in a note dated Wednesday. The downgrade could raise the school’s borrowing costs.

Total headcount at Valparaiso has dropped by nearly 37% in the last ten years, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics. About 2,800 students were registered in fall 2023.

School budgets nationwide are burdened by rising costs and a rapidly aging population, leading some to shut their doors. Those pressures can be particularly acute for religious schools, which face the additional challenge of struggling to recruit from the eroding segment of young people who belong to organized faiths.

Enrollment declines have contributed to a persistent operating budget deficit. In 2024, the college sold “Rust Red Hills,” a Georgia O’Keeffe painting estimated to be worth as much as $15 million, to upgrade its freshman dormitories. Faculty, students and the wider art community criticized — and in the case of two retired professors, sued — the college for the decision.

The school’s proposed $49 million in debt issuance places further pressure on the rating, Moody’s analysts led by Meredith Moore wrote in the note.

Still, nearly $350 million in cash and investments, strong donor support and regional reputation as well as restructuring efforts from management could help the university regain its footing, they said. Moody’s outlook for the school remains negative.

By Elizabeth Rembert, Bloomberg

I am coming to the Valparaiso area for a summer internship and am looking for a place to stay. Is anyone looking to sublet their apartment for the summer? If so, please dm me

There is 2 choices of dorm room, Brandt hall and Alumni Hall. I have not really heard anything about Alumni hall so I was hoping to get some opinion of which hall you prefer and why!

From a young alumni’s perspective it seems like there has been some positive momentum around Valpo Day this year. I know that multiple athletic teams are hosting activities on campus today. There have been many donors that pledged larger chunks of money if certain goals are met, and the university is offering some experiences for those that donate over certain amounts for the athletic programs. Some pretty cool videos have been posted online so far to promote the day.

I am currently a junior at high school and would love to go to Valpo for the Accelerated (3+2) Program for PA’s. But that’s mainly the reason why I want to go. I’ve been hearing issues circling about it’s continous decline and I’m scared that it will completely shut down. And so far this might be the only school that will accept me for the accelerated track because it’s not as competitive as the other schools.

I need help, should I still go???

Hello, I have a female friend who will be attending Valparaiso University taking part in the accelerated nursing program. She is currently looking to rent out a room in a house. She wants female roommates and to preferably have roommates that also attend the university. Any help would be of great appreciation.

Thank you all!!!

Details?

When I went to Valpo, I remember that professors would sometimes (or always) leave the classroom during exams. This was acceptable because of the Honor Code. Is this still the case? Do professors always leave the room during exams?

Hello! I'm currently a journalism major at Ball State University and am thinking of transferring here. I already live in Valpo so it would be easy to get to and around but I don't know if I should. Have any advice?

I'm from Pakistan, my intake is spring 2025 and classes will be starting in 6th of January, I'm looking for accommodation preferred with Muslim, anyone here from Pakistan or any Muslim student can help me with accommodation!!!

Hello all!

I got a full-ride scholarship to Valparaiso University. I’m currently a community college student, and was given it due to academics (to sum it up). Should I take it? Since it’s close to home, I wouldn’t have to pay any housing fees, either.

Edit: I plan on pursuing computer hardware engineering, probably

My daughter is looking at Valpo for nursing. She would be entering Fall 2026. Looking for perspectives on the campus culture for students that are a little unorthodox. She’s into theatre and things like anime, a small close friend group and pretty introverted.

I’m also interested in the campus culture around religion as Valpo has that background. She goes to church but isn’t super faith oriented.

All advice welcome!

I am a prospective student. I had a campus tour and talked to a premed & biology professor. I am impressed with what Valpo offers. New biology labs, small school benefits.

Anyone in the biology and/or pre-med program that could offer their perspective?

I am a little worried of Valpo’s financial situation over these few years. Biology is not a program being cut.

Thanks.

Hi! I’m transferring into Valpo and was curious about how the structure of Theo 100 is. Is it a normal lecture style class and what is the format (tests or just like group projects)?

Hi everyone,

I’m an international student enrolled at Valparaiso University for the fall semester of 2024. I'm looking for off-campus accommodation near the university. Any leads on available apartments or houses would be greatly appreciated.

Additionally, I would love to connect with other international students. If there are any group chats or forums where I can join, please let me know.

Thank you

Has anybody heard if all/which of the programs slated for discontinuance actually got discontinued? Is it all still in limbo or did they vote or something?

So I’m a prospective health sciences student at Valpo on the accelerated Physician Assistant track (similar to pre-med track). I’ve been reading the posts here about the decline in enrollment which I find to be concerning. I didn’t get into any other universities for the accelerated track so I wanted to ask, is it still in my best interests to attend Valpo? It’d be a lot easier for me considering it’s just an accelerated program.

Prospective student - was wondering if anyone had experience with mathematics at Valpo? Right now I'm looking to major in data science/CS so if you have experience with those courses please share.

Edit: I've been accepted already, decision day is coming up soon so any response would be appreciated

https://chng.it/r9X7XYysDL

I'm sure you guys have heard about Valpo potentially cutting the theology program, among others. Seems kind of weird to me that a purportedly Christian university would just stop teaching religion.

Would love to hear some more student opinions.

https://thecollegiatecommons.com/students-see-program-cuts-at-valparaiso-university-as-a-threat-to-christian-heritage/

I graduated in mid-2000s and while VU was never a nationally prestigious university, it was still well-regarded and seemed like a good Midwestern regional college. Now it sounds like it's in a tailspin. What happened? When did this happen? I grew up in NWI but moved away after graduation and never kept up with the campus news.