Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.1%
- Retention Rate
- 66.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $52,725
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,369
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $216/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $53,775 | $14,297 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $43,000 | $20,250 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $24,250 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,537 | $15,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Valley City State graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $20,369, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 compared to their $52,725 median salary after ten years. Monthly loan payments of $216 consume about 5% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's strong ties to education mean many graduates become teachers in North Dakota's rural school districts, where starting salaries align with the state's cost of living. An impressive 97.7% employment rate reflects the practical nature of VCSU's programs and regional demand for graduates. The 69.54% loan repayment rate indicates most students successfully manage their debt obligations. This represents a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable career preparation.