At $13,613/yr net price, Valley City State University graduates earn $52,725/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,725/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,613 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,452 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,725/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,725/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,369 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,030/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,130/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,758/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,340/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,411/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
48.1% of students at Valley City State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Valley City State University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings barely exceeding $50,000 after ten years and a concerning 48% graduation rate. Your chances of completing your degree are essentially a coin flip.
Education majors represent the clear exception to this poor performance. Teacher preparation programs generate starting salaries around $54,000 with relatively low debt burdens under $15,000. Given North Dakota's teacher shortage and competitive educator compensation, these programs offer solid regional job prospects.
Every other major struggles financially. Wildlife management, human services, and business administration graduates earn under $40,000 annually while carrying debt loads exceeding $24,000. The math simply does not work when you factor in loan payments against these modest salaries in rural North Dakota.
The low retention rate of 66% signals deeper institutional problems that compound the financial risk. If you transfer or drop out, you will carry debt without a degree to show for it. Only 17% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional scholarship support.
You should consider Valley City State only if you plan to teach in North Dakota and value the small-town campus experience over financial returns. The education programs provide a direct path to stable employment in the region. For any other career goal, you will find better ROI at larger state universities or community colleges that offer lower costs and stronger job placement networks.
Avoid this school entirely if you need significant financial aid or plan to pursue business, wildlife management, or human services. The combination of weak earnings potential and limited graduation support creates substantial financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valley City State University worth the cost?
Valley City State University offers reasonable value with a low net price of $13,613 and modest debt levels around $20,369. However, the 48% graduation rate is concerning, and median earnings of $52,725 ten years after enrollment are below national averages for college graduates.
What are the best paying majors at Valley City State University?
Teacher education programs at Valley City State University offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $53,775 annually. Other programs like wildlife management, human services, and business administration show significantly lower earnings in the $38,000 range.
How much debt do Valley City State University graduates have?
Valley City State University graduates carry a median debt of $20,369, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. The school's low net price of $13,613 per year helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the job market like for Valley City State University graduates?
Valley City State University graduates earn a median of $52,725 ten years after enrollment, which is modest compared to other college graduates nationally. The school's strength lies in teacher preparation, but nearly half of students don't complete their degrees.