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Valley City State University

Valley City State University

Valley City, ND · Town · 958 students
WebsiteScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$11,890
Average net priceYour net price
In-state · 2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
51%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
43% typical
$52,725
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$45,606 typical
99%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
75% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Founded as a teachers' college, Valley City State University is best known for its exceptional education programs, alongside strong degrees in fisheries and wildlife biology, business, and software engineering. A distinctive pioneer in digital education, VCSU operates a mandatory laptop initiative that equips every full-time student with tailored hardware and industry-standard software integrated directly into their coursework. The campus culture is tight-knit and personalized, allowing students to forge close relationships with faculty while engaging in NAIA Viking athletics, vibrant campus traditions, and outdoor recreation along the scenic Sheyenne River.

Wikipedia:Valley City State University (VCSU) is a public university in Valley City, North Dakota, United States. It is part of the North Dakota University System. Founded in 1890 as Valley City State Normal School, a two-year teachers' college, it was authorized to confer bachelor's degrees in 1921 and changed its name to Valley City State Teachers College. With an expansion in programs outside teacher education after World War II, it became Valley City State College in 1963. In 1986, it was renamed State University of North Dakota-Valley City and a year later received its current name.

Location
Valley City, ND, 58072 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
MSP · Minneapolis
269 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
In-stateOut-of-state
Tuition & fees$8,514$13,544
Housing & food (on campus)$8,580$8,580
Books & supplies$1,000$1,000
Cost of attendance$18,710$24,261
Average net price$11,890Not published
Out-of-state prices
Tuition & fees$13,544
In-state: $8,514
Housing & food (on campus)$8,580
Books & supplies$1,000
Cost of attendance$24,261
In-state: $18,710
Average net priceNot published
In-state: $11,890
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.vcsu.edu
How it’s made up · out-of-state, 2026-27
Valley City State University’s own figures for 2026-2027, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$12,953
Fees$2,093
Housing$8,115
Books & supplies$1,100
Total of the above$24,261
See how the in-state total ($18,710) is made up
How it’s made up · in-state, 2026-27
Valley City State University’s own figures for 2026-2027, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$7,402
Fees$2,093
Housing$8,115
Books & supplies$1,100
Total of the above$18,710
Net price by family income · in-state students, 2023-24
$0–30k
$7,879
$30–48k
$7,787
$48–75k
$10,841
$75–110k
$12,538
$110k+
$14,570
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
51%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
37%
Back for yr 2
71%
Transferred
25%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
51% graduated · 30% transferred · 19% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$45,820
10 yrs after entry$52,725
Debt
Median at graduation$20,369
Monthly payment$216
Middle 50% owe$5.5k–$21.3k
90th percentile$27,500
Green marks a figure above the typical Baccalaureate — diverse fields: 43% graduate within 6 yrs, $45,606 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
99%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1041
R 420–530 · M 410–540
ACT midpoint
20
Comp 17–24 · E 15–22 · M 16–23
SAT middle 50%: 830–1070
40080012001600

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Essay prompts

If Valley City State University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the school's application.

Student Body
Gender
Men 46%Women 54%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
12 : 1
Pell grant
17%
First-gen
26%
Family income
$59,878
Independent
25%
Age at entry
23.0
Part-time
18%
Race & ethnicity
White
80%
Hispanic
3%
Black
4%
Asian
1%
Two or more
6%
Non-resident
3%
AI/AN
1%
NH/PI
1%
Unknown
1%
Varsity sports
NAIA Division II · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$45,820
After 10 yrs
$52,725
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods96
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas41
Business Administration, Management and Operations22
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management14
Music11
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities8
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness7
Psychology, General7
Human Services, General6
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs6
History6
Communication and Media Studies5
Computer and Information Sciences, General4
Computer Engineering4
English Language and Literature, General4
Natural Resources Conservation and Research3
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$14M
Full-time faculty
51%
Faculty salary
$6,935/mo
Teaching spend
$14,718
per student
Federal loans
30%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — diverse fields
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Valley City State University is the right fit for you?

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