NDSU vs. Valley City State University

Comparable Facts

Compare North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND with Valley City State University in Valley City, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than Valley City State University based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 1,806 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Dakota State University Main Campus is located in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting); Valley City State University is in Valley City, ND (Remote Town setting).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Valley City State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1; Valley City State University 12:1.

NDSU vs. Valley City State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NDSU or Valley City State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Valley City State University than NDSU ($12,442 vs. $15,596).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valley City State University are 13.6% lower than at North Dakota State University Main Campus ($8,580 vs. $9,928).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 29.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Valley City State University (about $2,530 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $8,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.4% higher at NDSU than at Valley City State University (about $2,220 more per year; $15,764.00 vs. $13,544.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valley City State University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valley City State University students is 16.5% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($7,467 vs. $6,409).

NDSU vs. Valley City State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NDSU or Valley City State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Valley City State University and NDSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Dakota State University Main Campus (1090) is 140 points higher than at Valley City State University (950).
• Incoming NDSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Valley City State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216; Valley City State University 830/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25; Valley City State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NDSU - Test optional; Valley City State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Valley City State University (3.31).
• Valley City State University has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than NDSU (95%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32% at NDSU vs. 53.9% at Valley City State University.

NDSU vs. Valley City State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NDSU and Valley City State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• North Dakota State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Valley City State University's (42%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Valley City State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valley City State University graduates have a $1,970 lower median loan debt than NDSU graduates ($21,330 vs. $23,300).
• Among borrowers, Valley City State University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NDSU graduates ($220 vs. $240).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Valley City State University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 71%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.