Valley City State University
Valley City State University has an acceptance rate of 99.1%, annual tuition of $8,514, average net price of $11,890, and a national rank of #791 (Grade B), with a 53.3% six-year graduation rate, about 958 undergraduates, and median earnings of $45,820 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Valley City State University is a public university in Valley City, ND. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, and 70.9% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -3.7%, roughly 89.0 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Valley City State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Valley City State University graduates 53.3% of students within six years and keeps 70.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Valley City State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,514 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,580 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,358 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $20,468 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 16.9% of Valley City State University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $7,879 to $14,570 depending on family income. Use Valley City State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $12,538/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $14,570/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,820
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,820
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $11,761
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 69.5%
- Employment Rate 94.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Valley City State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Valley City State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Valley City State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Valley City State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Valley City State University graduates earn $45,820 median, the -3.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 420-530
- SAT Math 410-540
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 17-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 958
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 70.9%
- Graduation Rate 53.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Valley City State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Valley City State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 99.1%, Valley City State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 99.1% acceptance rate, Valley City State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 830 and 1070 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Valley City State University undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 40.0%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 21.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 8.4%
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management 5.1%
- Music 4.7%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 2.9%
See more majors
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs 2.5%
- Biology, General 2.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $58,211
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $51,811
- 3. Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management $50,283
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $46,680
- 5. Leisure and Recreational Activities $45,018
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $44,886
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $66,830
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $56,536
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $58,211—30% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($44,886). Graduate: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas programs lead with $66,830 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Valley City State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 59 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 8 graduates)
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (15 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Chemistry
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Human Services, General
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Fine and Studio Arts
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)â–¼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 958
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 46.5%
- Female Students 53.5%
- Caucasian 80.2%
- Asian 0.9%
- Hispanic 3.2%
- Black 3.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 16.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Valley City State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Valley City State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Valley City State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Valley City State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 80.2% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 16.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Valley City State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Valley City State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Valley City State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #791 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $11,890 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $45,820 median earnings. The 53.3% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 70.9% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Valley City State University's Strengths
Ranked #791 with a B grade, Valley City State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Valley City State University excel at providing affordable education ($11,890 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Valley City State University's 70.9% retention and 53.3% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($45,820 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Valley City State University and $11,890 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 53.3% six-year graduation rate sits 9.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 70.9% first-year retention is 5.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -3.7% return on investment is 89.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,820 run about 5% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $11,890 is roughly $5,507 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 70.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 94.9% employment rate within three years sits 26.7 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 16.9% trails the national share by 22.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Valley City State University—a public university in Valley City, ND—at B overall. It is currently ranked #791 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B-, Support B, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
70.9% of learners come back after year one while 53.3% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -3.7%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $11,890 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $20,468.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,578 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,761 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 16.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $45,820 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 5% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 94.9%.
The ROI comes in near -3.7%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
99.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Valley City State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other North Dakota campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Valley City State University's acceptance rate?
Valley City State University's acceptance rate is 99.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Valley City State University cost?
At Valley City State University, listed tuition and fees are $8,514 per year, and the average net price after aid is $11,890. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Valley City State University's ranking?
Valley City State University ranks #791 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Valley City State University's graduation rate?
At Valley City State University, the six-year graduation rate is 53.3%, and first-year retention is 70.9%.
What are Valley City State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Valley City State University report median earnings of $45,820 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Valley City State University's student population?
Valley City State University enrolls about 958 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Valley City, ND 58072
- Website www.vcsu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$12.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate21.3%