VCSU Sets 4th Consecutive Fall Enrollment Record

Photo: Students cross the VCSU Footbridge during the 2026 Summer Vikes on Central event.

Total Headcount Rises to 1871 Students

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Valley City State University has set a fall enrollment record for the fourth consecutive year, enrolling 1871 students this semester.

This year’s total includes 1723 undergraduates and 148 graduate students. The total headcount surpasses last fall’s previous record of 1827 students. Since 2016, VCSU’s enrollment has grown by 29 percent, with the university achieving new fall enrollment records in 9 of the past 10 years.

VCSU’s overall retention rate of new students from 2025 to 2026 rose to 74 percent this fall, a new school record. The retention rate of first-time, full-time students from 2025 to 2026 was also 74 percent, the school’s second highest rate ever in that retention category.

“Our faculty, staff and the community have done an incredible job of making VCSU feel like home for an increasing number of students,” said Dr. Allen Burgad, VCSU Interim President. “Strong retention rates and increasing enrollment reflect the positive experiences our students are having in the classroom and on campus.”

VCSU enrolled 322 new undergraduate students this fall, including 186 first-year students and 136 transfer students. That is the largest group of new students since 2019.

The university’s continued growth has been driven by strategic investments in campus improvements, strong institutional partnerships, and a reputation for providing quality education at an excellent value. VCSU’s scholarship program awards nearly $2 million in student aid annually, and the Forward Together Capital Campaign has been transforming the campus through major facility upgrades like the McCarthy Hall renovation, which opened in Fall 2025, and the new Tharaldson Family Athletic Center opening this winter.

VCSU has also finalized academic partnerships with several institutions over the past 24 months, expanding academic offerings to more students. One of the larger partnerships is with Bismarck State College, which has 63 students this year pursuing an education degree through VCSU’s nationally acclaimed education program.

“Through our various partnerships with other NDUS institutions, we’ve provided more opportunities for students to experience a VCSU education,” said Burgad. “We’re proud to play our role in preparing students to enter the North Dakota workforce.”

During the 2025-26 academic year, VCSU conferred a record 625 degrees and certificates. That included 297 undergraduate bachelor’s degrees – the highest number awarded since 2018-19 – and 52 master’s degrees.

VCSU 2026 Fall Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 1871 (Fall Record)
  • Undergraduate Students: 1723 (Fall Record)
  • Graduate Students: 148
• New Full-Time Undergraduate Students: 322 (Largest since 2019)
  • First-Year Students: 186
  • Transfer Students: 136
• Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): 1135

VCSU 2026 Fall Retention

• First-Time Full-Time Students: 74.23%
• Overall Retention of new students: 73.96% (Record, up from 73.25%)