About Mayville State University
Mayville State University builds teachers and tech professionals in the heart of North Dakota's prairie. The school serves 704 students in a rural setting where education and technology programs take center stage. Founded in 1889, this public university has deep roots in training educators for the region's schools. Small class sizes with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio create an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name.
Students pay an average net price of $14,454 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in higher education. Graduates earn a median of $47,828 ten years after leaving school. The typical graduate carries $18,585 in debt with monthly payments around $197. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $10,575, making college accessible for low-income students.
The Comets compete in eight varsity sports through the NJCAA with 254 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total $536,547 across all sports. Two-thirds of students return for their second year, though only 40% complete their degree within six years. The campus houses 308 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where nearly everyone knows each other.
Students pay an average net price of $14,454 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in higher education. Graduates earn a median of $47,828 ten years after leaving school. The typical graduate carries $18,585 in debt with monthly payments around $197. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $10,575, making college accessible for low-income students.
The Comets compete in eight varsity sports through the NJCAA with 254 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total $536,547 across all sports. Two-thirds of students return for their second year, though only 40% complete their degree within six years. The campus houses 308 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where nearly everyone knows each other.
Academics & Faculty
Mayville State University built its reputation as a teacher preparation institution, dating back to its 1889 founding as a normal school. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring that small universities promise. Teacher education remains a cornerstone program, alongside growing technology and business offerings. However, the 40.30% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete degrees despite the personal attention. The university serves as a regional access point for first-generation college students, with 24.42% receiving Pell Grants. Academic support systems exist, but the rural setting and limited resources mean students must be self-motivated to succeed in this intimate learning environment.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 97.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 37.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.3%
- Retention Rate
- 67.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,828
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $41,725 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,441 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,424 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
Campus Life
Mayville sits 150 miles northwest of Fargo in the heart of North Dakota farm country. With only 704 students enrolled, this feels more like an extended family than a traditional college campus. You'll definitely need that winter coat - temperatures regularly drop below zero from December through February, and snow covers the ground for months.
Housing capacity reaches just 308 students, meaning about 44% of students live on campus in the tight-knit residential community. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates classroom discussions where professors know your name and notice when you're absent. Known for its strong teacher education programs, many students here plan to return to rural communities as educators after graduation.
Weekend activities center around the Comets athletic teams, with 254 total athletes competing across 8 varsity sports in NJCAA competition. Students often head to nearby lakes for fishing and outdoor recreation when weather permits. The rural-remote setting means the nearest shopping or entertainment requires a drive, but the 67% retention rate suggests students appreciate the small-town atmosphere and personal attention they receive here.
Housing capacity reaches just 308 students, meaning about 44% of students live on campus in the tight-knit residential community. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates classroom discussions where professors know your name and notice when you're absent. Known for its strong teacher education programs, many students here plan to return to rural communities as educators after graduation.
Weekend activities center around the Comets athletic teams, with 254 total athletes competing across 8 varsity sports in NJCAA competition. Students often head to nearby lakes for fishing and outdoor recreation when weather permits. The rural-remote setting means the nearest shopping or entertainment requires a drive, but the 67% retention rate suggests students appreciate the small-town atmosphere and personal attention they receive here.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 308 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1889
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- -2°–16°F
- July Avg
- 57°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 23.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Mayville State draws students who want personal attention and affordable education close to home. With 54% from North Dakota, the university maintains strong ties to local communities while attracting students from neighboring states seeking its specialized programs. The 57% female enrollment reflects the school's heritage in teacher education, where women have traditionally been well-represented. One in four students receives Pell Grants, showing Mayville serves working families looking for career advancement. The small size of 704 students creates a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other by name.
- Men
- 42.6%
- Women
- 57.4%
- White
- 72.6%
- Black
- 5.8%
- Hispanic
- 6.8%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 54.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.4%
Location
Mayville sits in the Red River Valley of eastern North Dakota, about 60 miles northwest of Fargo. The town of roughly 1,800 residents revolves around agriculture and the university campus. With 704 students enrolled, the college population makes up a significant portion of this rural community. The surrounding landscape features flat farmland stretching to the horizon, typical of the Great Plains region. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summers bring humid heat and occasional severe thunderstorms. The nearest shopping and entertainment beyond campus requires a drive to Fargo or Grand Forks. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare Mayville State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Mayville, North Dakota 58257-1299
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,828
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,462
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $197/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,585
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Mayville State University?
Mayville State University accepts 71.23% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small public university. The school enrolls just 704 students total, creating an intimate learning environment in rural North Dakota.
How much does Mayville State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,454 annually after aid, with in-state tuition at $7,935. The school keeps costs manageable for rural families, though only 24.42% of students receive Pell Grants.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Mayville State University?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, allowing for personalized attention in classrooms. Mayville State focuses heavily on teacher education and technology programs, building on its 1889 founding as a teaching institution.
How do graduates of Mayville State University perform in the job market?
Graduates earn a median salary of $47,828 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 98.5% employment rate. The 40.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many rural students face completing their degrees.
Where do students live at Mayville State University?
On-campus housing accommodates 308 students, representing nearly half of the 704 total enrollment. The rural-remote setting in Mayville, North Dakota creates a tight-knit campus community where students know each other well.
Does Mayville State University offer athletic scholarships?
The school awards $536,547 in athletic scholarships across 8 varsity sports competing in the NJCAA. With 254 total athletes, the Comets provide opportunities for over one-third of the student body to compete at the collegiate level.
Similar Schools
Valley City State University
Valley City, North Dakota
Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Beckley, West Virginia
The University of Tennessee Southern
Pulaski, Tennessee
University of Minnesota-Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota
University of South Carolina-Sumter
Sumter, South Carolina