VCSU Spring Enrollment Reaches Record High

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Valley City State University set another enrollment record during the 2026 spring semester, posting a total headcount of 1,868 students—the highest ever in school history.

This year’s spring enrollment reflects an increase of 14 students over last spring and marks the third consecutive spring semester of record-breaking enrollment. VCSU welcomed 72 new undergraduate degree-seeking students at semester break, including 20 first-time freshmen and 52 transfer students—the most mid-year newcomers since 2017. The university also achieved a 91% fall‑to‑spring retention rate among undergraduate degree-seeking students.

North Dakota students continue to make up the majority of VCSU’s population, with 75% of students hailing from within the state and 87% representing the four‑state region of North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Montana.

Areas of Notable Growth

Several programs and partnerships contributed to this spring’s enrollment gains:

• Graduate programs increased by 10%, reaching a record spring enrollment of 161 students and 71 FTE (full-time equivalent). Twenty new students started in the graduate program this semester.
• The James River Correctional Center program expanded by 225% to 26 total students in only its second year.
• A new articulation agreement with Bismarck State College added 13 students in its first semester.
• A partnership with College of DuPage (Illinois) continued to grow with a 60% increase in enrollment.
• Dual‑credit enrollment rose by 6% as more high school students pursued early college coursework.

“It’s encouraging to see growth across several areas, including new and expanded partnerships in the region,” said Dr. Allen Burgad, Interim VCSU President. “VCSU continues to offer highly respected courses and degrees at a great value, and we’re working to bring those offerings to even more students. Our extremely affordable tuition rates make VCSU a strong fit for many different types of learners.”

Currently, in‑state tuition for VCSU undergraduates is $6,983 for a 30‑credit year. North Dakota students receiving the full Federal Pell Grant have 100% of their tuition covered. The VCSU Foundation also plays a significant role in affordability, awarding nearly $2 million in scholarships over the past year. As a result, 53% of VCSU’s on‑campus students had zero out‑of‑pocket tuition costs during the 2024–25 academic year.

“Valley City State provides tremendous value to students seeking high‑quality, affordable education,” said Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “With 75 percent of our students coming from North Dakota, we understand the vital role we play in meeting workforce needs across the state.”

VCSU’s spring headcount of 1,868 students includes both full‑time and part‑time learners. While the university’s FTE enrollment declined 2.9% from last spring, it remains the second‑highest spring FTE in school history.

For more information about VCSU and its academic programs, visit www.vcsu.edu.