Overview
Valley City State University was founded in 1890 as a teacher training institution and has grown into a comprehensive public university within the North Dakota University System. It is widely recognized for its long tradition of teacher preparation programs and for being an early adopter of laptop-based instructional technology, having implemented a campus-wide laptop initiative in the mid-1990s that became a model for other institutions. The university maintains a strong regional reputation for affordable, accessible education with close faculty-student relationships.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Valley City, North Dakota |
| Founded | 1890 |
| Total students | 1,600 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 14:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 99% |
| Graduation rate | 45% |
| Average starting salary | $40,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $9,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $13,500 |
| Room & board | $8,200 |
| Average financial aid | $8,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 90% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 930-1140 |
| ACT range | 18-23 |
| Average GPA | 3.30 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Elementary Education
- Business Education
- Health and Physical Education
- Music Education
- Technology Education
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.