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 gives you a solid financial return for the price. You pay a low net price and carry median debt of about $20,000 by graduation, which is less than one year of the typical earnings a decade out. That gap between cost and payoff is the strongest part of the picture here.
The catch is the programs themselves. The best-paying degree on record, teacher education, tops out around $43,000, and the rest of the listed bachelor's programs cluster near $38,000. Those are modest starting points, and they hold back the median. The school leans heavily toward teaching, human services, and wildlife management, all fields tied to public-sector and rural North Dakota pay scales that stay low. If you want a degree that leads to high earnings, VCSU's strongest programs won't get you there.
Watch the completion risk. Under half of you finish, and only two-thirds return after freshman year. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome, so the low sticker price only pays off if you actually graduate.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay several thousand less per year than families above $75,000, whose price runs past $15,000. That flip means VCSU is a genuine bargain if money is tight, and a fair-but-not-cheap option if it isn't.
This school fits you if you want to teach or work in human services in North Dakota and need to keep costs and debt low. Look elsewhere if you're aiming for a high-salary field or if you're unsure you'll finish, because the graduation and retention numbers make dropping out a real financial risk here.
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.