University of North Dakota 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 University of North Dakota (77.1%). Graduates of University of North Dakota earn $10,827 more per year at the 10-year mark ($63,552 vs $52,725). For families earning $48k–$75k, Valley City State University is more affordable at $11,758 net price vs $18,625. Students at Valley City State University graduate with less debt ($20,369 vs $22,057).
Admissions & Outcomes
Valley City State University has a higher yield rate (56.9%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Grand Forks, 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), Valley City State University is more affordable at $9,030 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $20,640 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. Valley City State University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (17%), 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.
University of North Dakota
- 1 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$76,460
- 2 Petroleum Engineering$72,762
- 3 Chemical Engineering$66,325
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$64,608
- 5 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians$63,005
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.
University of North Dakota
- 1 Air Transportation
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 5 Marketing
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.
University of North Dakota
- International students6%
- Tuition (international)$12,810
- Est. total cost/year$24,522
- 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 University of North Dakota or Valley City State University?
Valley City State University is more selective with a 69.3% acceptance rate, compared to 77.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: University of North Dakota or Valley City State University?
University of North Dakota graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $63,552 compared to $52,725. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: University of North Dakota or Valley City State University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Valley City State University has a lower net price at $11,758 per year vs $18,625. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at University of North Dakota vs Valley City State University?
University of North Dakota has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 63.3%, compared to 48.1%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: University of North Dakota or Valley City State University?
University of North Dakota has a larger international student population at 6% 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 University of North Dakota and Valley City State University?
At University of North Dakota, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduates earn a median of $76,460 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.