Campus Life

Jumpstart your future and become part of the Valley City State University family. Get ready to make lifelong friends and take charge of your education.

Founded as a teacher’s college in 1890, VCSU focuses on excellence in teaching in a student-focused, learner-centered environment. Students learn from highly-qualified professors focused on student growth and success. VCSU embraces students from all backgrounds, acquainting them with new people and new ideas. VCSU continues to be the premier place to start your journey and learn something you love.

Do what you love here. Join a club to share your passion with others. Participate in intramural teams, join a musical group, or simply curl up in the Student Center with a good book from the Allen Memorial Library and a cup of coffee from Viking Grounds. We’re ready to help you recognize your potential and reach your goals.

Location

Valley City is located in the beautiful Sheyenne River Valley. Known as the “City of Bridges,” it is home to 6,600 people and is the seat of Barnes County. The Sheyenne River flows through town, creating a picturesque, unique landscape complete with a beautiful downtown district, many restaurants, and numerous parks. There are numerous outdoor activities in Valley City and city amenities including a movie theater, bowling alley, coffee shop and more. The Valley City area combines peaceful small-town life with interstate access. The locale, rich in history and North Dakota lore, provides many opportunities for outdoor activities year-round, including outstanding hunting and fishing.

The Area

Fargo/Moorhead and Jamestown are a short drive from Valley City. Both cities offer extended access to large retail stores and chain restaurants. VCSU maintains strong working ties professionally and academically with North Dakota State University, and with the University of Jamestown. VCSU also keeps a good-natured rivalry steeped in tradition alive with Jamestown.

Admission Requirements

VCSU welcomes applications from all students who believe they can succeed at the college/university level.

As a freshman applicant, your admission to VCSU is based on your cumulative high school GPA, along with the successful completion of high school core courses.

Students who do not meet the admissions guidelines will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration GPA, the academic rigor of coursework, advanced courses, and grade trends, among other factors.

Accreditation

VCSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

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Points of Pride

• In 2024, U.S. News named VCSU #1 public regional college in North Dakota and #2 public regional college in the Midwest. VCSU has been ranked for 27 consecutive years.
• VCSU was the second laptop university in the nation and continues to lead the way in the incorporation of technology into teaching and learning. In 2021, VCSU celebrated 25 years of being a laptop university.

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Amber Kologi

Amber Kologi is a dual science major focusing in the areas of Biology and Fisheries & Wildlife. The sophomore, who calls Rochert, Minn. home, gets to spend time in her happy place as student worker in the VCSU Greenhouse.

“I loved the hometown feel of our campus and everyone being so helpful and nice. It was comforting to know people cared about you when you were a scared freshman. I love how in only a couple weeks, you can know almost everyone on campus and be friends,” she said. “I would like to be either a Wildlife Biologist or a Botanist somewhere in North Dakota or Minnesota.”

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