Minot State University vs Valley City State University
Valley City State University is moderately selective with a 69.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Minot State University (72.2%). Both schools produce similar 10-year median earnings around $52,725. For families earning $48k–$75k, Minot State University is more affordable at $11,464 net price vs $11,758.
Admissions & Outcomes
Minot State University has a higher yield rate (67.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Minot, ND
Valley City, ND
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Minot State University is more affordable at $8,840 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $15,562 vs $15,411.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Minot State University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (24%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Minot State University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$63,666
- 2 Accounting and Related Services$48,823
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services$42,682
- 4 Social Work$41,565
- 5 International Business$39,909
Valley City State University
- 1 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$43,000
- 2 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management$38,289
- 3 Human Services, General$38,289
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations$38,289
- 5 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$37,537
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Minot State University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Social Work
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 4 Special Education and Teaching
- 5 Criminal Justice and Corrections
Valley City State University
- 1 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- 4 Music
- 5 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Minot State University
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$6,691
- Est. total cost/year$15,330
- School typePublic
Valley City State University
- International students2%
- Tuition (international)$10,709
- Est. total cost/year$19,216
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Minot State University or Valley City State University?
Valley City State University is more selective with a 69.3% acceptance rate, compared to 72.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Minot State University or Valley City State University?
Valley City State University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $52,725 compared to $51,759. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Minot State University or Valley City State University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Minot State University has a lower net price at $11,464 per year vs $11,758. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Minot State University vs Valley City State University?
Valley City State University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 48.1%, compared to 47.8%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Minot State University or Valley City State University?
Minot State University has a larger international student population at 10% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Minot State University and Valley City State University?
At Minot State University, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $63,666 within two years. At Valley City State University, the top-earning major is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $43,000. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.