VCSU Sets 3rd Consecutive Fall Enrollment Record

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University has set a fall enrollment record for the third consecutive year, enrolling 1827 students this semester.

Since 2012, VCSU’s enrollment has grown by 34 percent, with the university achieving new fall enrollment records in 12 of the past 13 years. This year’s total includes 1663 undergraduates and 164 graduate students. The total headcount surpasses last fall’s previous record of 1806 students.

Retention rates also reached historic highs this fall. The first-time, full-time student retention rate increased to 77 percent, a 6-point jump from last year and the highest in VCSU history. The overall retention rate rose to 73 percent, up 3 points from the previous year.

“This is a testament to the incredible work of our faculty, staff and the community,” said Dr. Alan LaFave, President of VCSU. “Increasing enrollment and retention rates reflect the growing confidence that students and families have in our quality programs and the positive experiences we offer on campus.”

VCSU’s fall enrollment includes students from 37 different states and 8 countries, with 74 percent coming from North Dakota.

The university’s continued growth is driven by strategic investments in campus improvements, strong institutional partnerships, and a reputation for providing quality education at a great value. VCSU’s scholarship program awards nearly $2 million in student aid annually, and the Forward Together Capital Campaign is transforming the campus through major facility upgrades.

This fall, VCSU reopened McCarthy Hall following a $13.5 million renovation. It now serves as the home of VCSU’s nationally acclaimed School of Education. The university also broke ground on the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center—a major expansion of the athletic facilities—which is on track for completion next fall.

In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, VCSU was named the Top Public Regional College in North Dakota and was ranked No. 2 in the Midwest.

“We’ve seen tremendous momentum over the last 5 years,” said LaFave. “Our commitment to providing quality student experiences remains evident through our on-campus improvements and educational offerings. In fact, 98 percent of students surveyed last year said a VCSU education was worth the investment.”

During the 2024-25 academic year, VCSU conferred a record 537 degrees and certificates. That included 295 undergraduate bachelor’s degrees – the highest number awarded since 2018-19.

Graduate School Enrollment Increases

VCSU’s graduate school also announced a fall enrollment record with 164 students, which is up 6% from last year and 30% since 2023. The graduate programs, which primarily serve K-12 educators, have been offered since 2005.

“We’re proud to see educators choosing to advance their knowledge and skills in our graduate programs,” said James Boe, Dean of Graduate Studies and Extended Learning. “Their commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth strengthens their classrooms and benefits their students.”

VCSU 2025 Fall Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 1827 (Fall Record)
  • Undergraduate Students: 1663 (Fall Record)
  • Graduate Students: 164 (Fall Record)
• New Full-Time Undergraduate Students: 288
  • First-Year Students: 175
  • Transfer Students: 113
• Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): 1178

VCSU 2025 Fall Retention

• First-Time Full-Time Students: 76.83% (Record; up from 70.86%)
• Overall Retention: 73.25% (Record, up from 70.45%)