
101 College St SW, Valley City, ND 58072, USA


Valley City State University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting body recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation ensures that the institution meets established standards of quality and rigor in its educational programs. Additionally, select programs within the university have received specialized accreditation, which further affirms their adherence to professional and academic standards specific to those fields. For prospective students, attending a regionally accredited university like Valley City State University is crucial, as it signifies that credits and degrees earned will generally be recognized by employers and other institutions, including for transfer and graduate study purposes.
Valley City State University requires prospective students to have completed a high school education or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Applicants must submit their secondary school transcripts as part of the application process, and maintaining a minimum high school GPA is mandatory. Although the university recommends submission of secondary school rank and letters of recommendation, these are not strictly required. Competency assessments and additional tests besides the TOEFL, which is mandatory for non-native English speakers, are encouraged but not compulsory.
The institution does not operate an open admission policy; rather, it requires that applicants have been previously enrolled in a college program. Dual credit is not offered, but credits and Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted for transfer.
Standardized test scores are considered, though Valley City State University does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Among those enrolled, about 5.2% submitted SAT scores, while 63% provided ACT scores. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1,063, placing them in the lower quartile nationally. The average ACT score is 20, which also falls in the lower 15 percentile range. Acceptance rates stand around 69%, reflecting a moderately selective admission policy.
Valley City State University requires an application fee for prospective students submitting their enrollment materials. The fee is set to cover processing costs associated with the application evaluation. However, certain applicants may qualify for waivers that exempt them from paying this fee, reflecting the university's effort to reduce barriers to entry for eligible students.
Fee waivers are typically granted based on specific criteria, such as participation in designated programs or financial need demonstrated through official documentation. These waivers can help alleviate the financial burden for students who meet the university's outlined eligibility requirements. Applicants seeking a waiver must provide the necessary supporting materials as part of their application process.
Understanding the fee and waiver policy can assist prospective students in planning their application submission more effectively, ensuring they meet all requirements while managing associated costs.
Valley City State University hosts its own ROTC branch unit on campus, providing students the opportunity to participate in military training and leadership development directly within the university setting. This presence allows prospective students interested in military careers to engage in ROTC activities without needing to transfer to another institution or commute to off-campus facilities.
Transfer students seeking admission to Valley City State University can apply for enrollment in the fall and spring terms. The university acknowledges the value of prior learning and therefore accepts transfer credits, including those earned through CLEP subject and general exams, as well as DANTES tests. Prospective transfer applicants should note that the admission process is considered minimally difficult, providing a relatively accessible pathway for those wishing to continue their education at this institution. Additionally, recommendations are accepted as part of the application, potentially supporting the admission decision.
Valley City State University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities aimed at enriching students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs include faculty-led trips, semester exchanges, and short-term study tours that allow participants to engage directly with global communities and academic environments.
Students can choose from programs that span diverse fields of study and geographic locations, ensuring options that align with their academic goals and personal interests. The university often coordinates with partner institutions worldwide to facilitate semester or year-long exchanges, providing immersive experiences that contribute to both personal growth and professional development.
In addition to long-term exchanges, Valley City State University supports shorter, faculty-led study tours during academic breaks. These are designed to offer intensive cultural exposure combined with coursework, enabling students to earn credits while traveling. The university emphasizes the development of global awareness and cross-cultural competencies through these programs.
Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs associated with study abroad, making these programs accessible to a broader range of students. Advising services are provided to guide students through the application process, preparation, and re-integration after return.
Median composite SAT score
1063Median composite ACT score
20Percent of students submitting ACT scores
63%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
5.2%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring