Valley City State University: 83.5% Acceptance Rate

83.5%Acceptance

$8,514Tuition

918Students

48%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$52,725Earnings

#12 in North DakotaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Valley City State University

Valley City State University shapes future educators and technology professionals in North Dakota's rural landscape. This small public university enrolls just 918 students in a town-remote setting. The school built its reputation on teacher education programs that supply instructors across the upper Midwest. VCSU also emphasizes technology integration in learning, reflecting North Dakota's push toward digital innovation.

Students pay an average net price of $13,613, making this one of the more affordable four-year options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $52,725 ten years after leaving school. With typical debt loads of $20,369, most students face monthly loan payments around $216. The employment rate hits 97.7%, though the four-year graduation rate sits at just 47.8%. Many students take longer to finish or transfer elsewhere.

The Vikings compete in NJCAA athletics with 282 student-athletes across 10 sports. Campus housing accommodates 462 students, creating a tight-knit residential experience. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors. However, the 66% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the rural isolation or find better fits elsewhere. Students who thrive here appreciate the small-town community and hands-on learning approach.

Academics & Faculty

Valley City State University built its reputation as a teacher preparation powerhouse, training educators for rural schools across the Great Plains since 1889. The university maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships between professors and students. However, only 48% of students graduate within six years, reflecting challenges common among smaller regional universities serving first-generation college students. VCSU has evolved beyond education to offer strong technology programs, including cybersecurity and information systems management. The small enrollment of 918 students means classes rarely exceed 25 students, creating an intimate learning environment where professors know every student by name.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 47.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 47.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.1%
Retention Rate: 66.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,725
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$53,775
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$43,000
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management.	Bachelor	$38,289
Human Services, General.	Bachelor	$38,289
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$38,289
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$37,537

View all 44 programs →

Campus Life

Valley City sits in rural North Dakota, about 60 miles west of Fargo, the state's largest city. The campus houses 462 students in residence halls, meaning roughly half of the 918 enrolled students live on campus. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so students bundle up in heavy coats and boots for much of the academic year. The small-town setting means most weekend activities center around campus events and outdoor recreation along the Sheyenne River.

With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and daily interactions feel personal rather than institutional. The Vikings compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 282 total athletes, creating a strong athletic presence for such a small campus. Students often gather in residence halls or the student center, especially during North Dakota's long winters. The technology education programs draw many future teachers who appreciate hands-on learning in small classes. Valley City's remote location means students form tight-knit communities, though the isolation can feel limiting for those seeking big-city amenities or diverse cultural experiences.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 462 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1889

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: -2°–19°F
July Avg: 56°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 20.6"
Annual Snowfall: -742.3"

Student Demographics

Valley City State draws students who want personal attention in their education, with 918 total enrollment ensuring everyone knows each other. About 69% come from North Dakota, reflecting the university's strong reputation for teacher preparation across the state. Women make up 54% of students, typical for education-focused institutions. The student body is predominantly white at 80%, mirroring rural North Dakota demographics. Only 17% receive Pell Grants, suggesting most students come from working-class families who value affordable, practical degrees that lead to stable careers in teaching and technology.

Men: 46.0%
Women: 54.0%
White: 79.9%
Black: 3.3%
Hispanic: 5.9%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 68.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.3%

Location

Valley City sits in southeastern North Dakota, about 60 miles west of Fargo. The town has roughly 6,800 residents and serves as a classic small college community. With 918 students, the university makes up a significant portion of the local population. The surrounding area features prairie farmland and the Sheyenne River valley. Valley City earned the nickname "City of Bridges" for its five historic bridges spanning the Sheyenne River. The remote town setting means students experience true small-town life with limited urban amenities. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summers bring warm prairie weather. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare Valley City State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Valley City, North Dakota 58072

Valley City State University, McFarland Hall

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,725
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,949
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 69.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $216/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,369

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Valley City State University?

Valley City State University accepts 83.45% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1030-1110 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on providing opportunities for students with varying academic backgrounds.

How much does Valley City State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Valley City State University is $13,613 per year. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,030 after aid, making this rural North Dakota university particularly affordable for low-income students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Valley City State University?

Valley City State University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with only 918 total students. This small size allows the university to focus intensively on teacher education and technology programs, which are its academic strengths.

What are the graduation rates at Valley City State University?

Valley City State University has a 48.10% six-year graduation rate and 47.80% four-year graduation rate. Despite these modest completion rates, graduates earn a median salary of $52,725 ten years after graduation, and 97.7% find employment after completing their degrees.

Where is Valley City State University located and what is campus life like?

Valley City State University sits in the remote town of Valley City, North Dakota, with on-campus housing for 462 students. The Vikings compete in 10 varsity sports through the NJCAA, with 282 total student-athletes receiving $631,164 in athletic scholarships.

Does Valley City State University have strong teacher preparation programs?

Valley City State University has built its reputation primarily around teacher education since its founding in 1889. The university combines this traditional strength with modern technology programs, serving 68.72% in-state students who often stay in North Dakota's education system after graduation.