College Search
Valley City State University

Valley City State University

Valley City, ND · Town · 958 students
4
Year
Public
Town
Small (<3k)
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Founded as a teachers' college, Valley City State University is best known for its exceptional education programs, alongside strong degrees in fisheries and wildlife biology, business, and software engineering. A distinctive pioneer in digital education, VCSU operates a mandatory laptop initiative that equips every full-time student with tailored hardware and industry-standard software integrated directly into their coursework. The campus culture is tight-knit and personalized, allowing students to forge close relationships with faculty while engaging in NAIA Viking athletics, vibrant campus traditions, and outdoor recreation along the scenic Sheyenne River.


Wikipedia:Valley City State University (VCSU) is a public university in Valley City, North Dakota, United States. It is part of the North Dakota University System. Founded in 1890 as Valley City State Normal School, a two-year teachers' college, it was authorized to confer bachelor's degrees in 1921 and changed its name to Valley City State Teachers College. With an expansion in programs outside teacher education after World War II, it became Valley City State College in 1963. In 1986, it was renamed State University of North Dakota-Valley City and a year later received its current name.

Location
Valley City, ND, 58072 · Town campus
Nearest airport from college
MSP · Minneapolis
269 mi away
Cost
In-state COA
$20,468
Out-of-state COA
$25,498
Avg net price
$11,890
Room & board
$8,580
In-state tuition
$8,514
Out-of-state tuition
$13,544
Books & supplies
$1,000/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$7,879
$30–48k
$7,787
$48–75k
$10,841
$75–110k
$12,538
$110k+
$14,570
Admissions
Admit rate
99%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
1041
Reading 420530
Math 410540
ACT midpoint
20
Composite 1724
English 1522
Math 1623
SAT range (25th–75th percentile)
40080012001600

Wondering if Valley City State University is the right fit for you?

Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay Requirements

This school does not appear to use the Common Application. Check the school's admissions website directly for essay requirements and application instructions.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes
Graduation rate
51%
4-yr on-time completion
37%
1st-yr retention
71%
Transfer-out rate
25%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
51%
Transferred
30%
Still enrolled
0%
Dropped out / unknown
19%
Median earnings (6yr)
$45,820
Median earnings (10yr)
$52,725
Median debt
$20,369
Monthly loan payment
$216
Debt range (25th–75th)
$5,500$21,328
Debt (90th percentile)
$27,500
Student Body
Men 46%Women 54%
12
:
1
Student : Faculty ratio
Students   Faculty
Pell grant recipients
17%
First-generation
26%
Median family income
$59,878
Independent students
25%
Avg age at entry
23.0
Part-time students
18%
Race & ethnicity
White
80%
Hispanic
3%
Black
4%
Asian
1%
Two or more
6%
Non-resident
3%
AI/AN
1%
NH/PI
1%
Unknown
1%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$45,820
10 years after entry
$52,725
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods96
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas41
Business Administration, Management and Operations22
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management14
Music11
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities8
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness7
Psychology, General7
Human Services, General6
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs6
History6
Communication and Media Studies5
Computer and Information Sciences, General4
Computer Engineering4
English Language and Literature, General4
Natural Resources Conservation and Research3
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Endowment
$14M
Classification
Baccalaureate (Diverse)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions
Full-time faculty
51%
Avg faculty salary
$6,935/mo
Instructional spend/student
$14,718
Federal loan rate
30%

Wondering if Valley City State University is the right fit for you?

Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Get your college list →See a sample report first