Public Institution

Valley City State University — Valley City, North Dakota

Compare Visit Website
Annual Tuition $8,514

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 69.3%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 918

Active Students

Avg. Salary $52,725

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Valley City, North Dakota
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Valley City State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Valley City, providing a robust academic foundation for 918 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Valley City State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Valley City State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Education
47.8%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
18.4%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
11.1%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts
5.1%

Enrollment Share

Natural Resources
4.1%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
2.2%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Valley City State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Natural Resources College

The Natural Resources program at Valley City State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Valley City State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 69.3%
Difficulty Low

Valley City State University maintains an acceptance rate of 69.3%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 46%
Women Enrollment 54%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

ACT English 16 - 22
ACT Mathematics 17 - 24
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Valley City State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $8,514
Out-of-State Tuition $13,478

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 17.3%
Median Student Debt $20,369

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $8,514, graduates see a median starting salary of $52,725, making it one of the most affordable pathways in North Dakota.

What salary can Valley City State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $52,725

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 48.1%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $13,613
Median Salary (6yr) $45,820
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Valley City State University in Valley City?

918 Students

Gender Comparison

46% Men
54% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

66%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.9%
Pacific Islander
0.9%
Asian
0.7%
Black
3.3%
White
79.9%
Unknown
0.5%
Hispanic
5.9%
Two or More Races
5.7%
International
2.4%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 23
🎓
First-Generation 26.2%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 46.7%
💍
Married Students 11.2%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 40%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $48,927
Average Family Income $67,166
Median Family Income $59,878

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

45.2%
54.8%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Valley City Campus Environment

Located at 101 College St SW, Valley City State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of North Dakota. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Valley City State University

Is Valley City State University a good college in Valley City, North Dakota?
Valley City State University is a recognized institution in Valley City with an enrollment of 918 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in North Dakota based on Department of Education data.
Is Valley City State University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Valley City State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $52,725. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Valley City State University cost for North Dakota residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Valley City State University is approximately $8,514. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $13,478. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Valley City State University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Valley City State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 46.7% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Valley City State University good for Education and Humanities programs?
Valley City State University is highly regarded for its Education and Humanities programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Valley City State University?
Graduates of Valley City State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Education. With a median salary of $52,725, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Valley City State University?
Valley City State University operates with a Moderately Open policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Valley City State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Valley City State University follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Valley City State University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Valley City State University earn a median salary of $52,725 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Valley City State University a good investment compared to other ND colleges?
Valley City State University stands out as a high-value investment in North Dakota. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Valley City State University located and what is the campus like?
Valley City State University is located at 101 College St SW in Valley City, ND. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 918 learners.
Who typically attends Valley City State University in Valley City, ND?
The student body at Valley City State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 26.2% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: North Dakota

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Valley City State University with other leading institutions in North Dakota across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

Local Discovery Hub

Explore specialized academic pathways in Valley City

Degrees & Research Education Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Professional Training Education Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Career Opportunities Education Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Affordable Tuition Education Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Accredited Programs Education Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Leading Schools Education Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
International Support Education Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Community Colleges Education Insights →
2026 Audit Complete

Looking for similar schools in North Dakota?

Our intelligence engine has audited 6,400+ institutions to find the best matches for your career goals.

View State Rankings →