Valley City State University
Valley City State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Valley City State University at a Glance
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 Stat…
1890
136 years old
1,868
1,600 undergrad · 164 grad
Identity
Is Valley City State University Worth It?
Valley City State University offers moderate value at $11,890/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $52,725, which is 2% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 99% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
How Valley City State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #3 of 40 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Grays Harbor College | 75 | $4,783 | $40,865 |
| #2 | University of Maine at Fort Kent | 68 | $7,482 | $51,077 |
| #3 | Valley City State University | 56 | $11,890 | $52,725 |
| #4 | Edison State Community College | 55 | $7,142 | $41,360 |
| #5 | Lake Superior State University | 51 | $12,822 | $49,045 |
| #6 | Western Wyoming Community College | 51 | $6,591 | $40,939 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Valley City State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in ND.
Best Programs at Valley City State University
The highest-earning program at Valley City State University is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $40,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $33,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate from Valley City State University earns $40,500, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $33,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduates carry $21,449 in median debt vs. $23,625 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $11,890/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $40,500 | $40,500 | $21,449 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,300 | $36,300 | $19,965 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $33,800 | $33,800 | $23,625 |
Similar Colleges in ND
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Valley City, ND
- Student Body
- 958 students
- Admission Rate
- 99%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,890
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,725
- Median Student Debt
- $20,369