President’s Column: Affordability Matters – And VCSU Delivers

By Dr. Allen Burgad, Interim VCSU President

Throughout my tenure at Valley City State University, I have had the privilege of meeting with countless high school students and families exploring their college options. When I ask prospective students what draws them to VCSU, their answers are remarkably consistent:

• A family member, friend, or teacher attended VCSU.
• Our academic programs stand out for quality and personal attention.
• Students feel welcomed and supported from day one.

But another theme always rises to the top: affordability.

At Valley City State University, affordability is not just a talking point—it is a lived reality. During the 2024–25 academic year, 53 percent of our on-campus students paid zero tuition out of pocket after scholarships and gifted aid. Many others received substantial support that significantly reduced their overall college costs and long-term debt.

Families often begin their college search by comparing published tuition rates, but tuition alone rarely tells the full story. Housing, meals, fees, books, and scholarships all factor into what a college education truly costs.

To put this into perspective, consider a student with a 3.05 high school GPA. At VCSU, that student may receive a $1,500 institutional academic scholarship during the first two years. When combined with VCSU’s lower base tuition, this reduces tuition costs to approximately $5,500, with a total annual cost closer to $14,000 for students living on campus. In addition, students with this academic profile may qualify for the North Dakota Scholarship, further reducing college costs.

By comparison, families often find that attending a four-year public university in a neighboring state can cost approximately $23,000–$26,000 per year once all costs are included. At Valley City State University, our students typically experience significantly lower total costs while still receiving an outstanding academic experience.

At VCSU, affordability reflects our long-standing commitment to putting students first. We believe college should open doors, not create unnecessary financial barriers. We are proud to offer an education that is personal, practical, and accessible—within a campus culture where students feel supported. For many families, that combination of value, quality, and community makes all the difference.

A final note of celebration: I would also like to recognize our Department of Language and Literature and the student editors of The Forge, VCSU’s literary magazine, which was recently named a 2025 REALM First Class magazine by the National Council of Teachers of English. This marks the second consecutive year The Forge has received this national recognition—an impressive accomplishment that reflects the creativity and dedication of our students, along with the guidance and mentorship of faculty advisor Dr. J. Gregory Brister. Congratulations to The Forge team and to all the students, faculty, and staff who contributed their writing and artwork.

VCSU Freshman Scholarship Opportunities

Based on each student’s cumulative high school GPA. Learn more about VCSU Scholarships.