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Valley City Today
By the People, for the People
VCSU Spring Enrollment Reaches Record High
North Dakota university sees third consecutive semester of enrollment growth
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Valley City State University (VCSU) in North Dakota set a new spring enrollment record with 1,868 students, an increase of 14 students over last spring. The university welcomed 72 new undergraduate degree-seeking students at semester break, including 20 first-time freshmen and 52 transfer students. VCSU also achieved a 91% fall-to-spring retention rate among undergraduate degree-seeking students.
Why it matters
VCSU's continued enrollment growth demonstrates the university's ability to attract and retain students, which is crucial for the institution's financial stability and ability to serve the educational needs of North Dakota. As a public university, VCSU plays a vital role in providing affordable, high-quality education to students, particularly those from within the state.
The details
Several programs and partnerships contributed to VCSU's spring enrollment gains, including a 10% increase in graduate program enrollment, a 225% expansion of the James River Correctional Center program, a new articulation agreement with Bismarck State College, and a 60% increase in enrollment through a partnership with College of DuPage in Illinois. Dual-credit enrollment also rose by 6% as more high school students pursued early college coursework.
- VCSU set a new spring enrollment record in 2026.
- This marks the third consecutive spring semester of record-breaking enrollment for the university.
- VCSU welcomed 72 new undergraduate degree-seeking students at semester break in 2026, including 20 first-time freshmen and 52 transfer students.
The players
Dr. Allen Burgad
Interim VCSU President
Larry Brooks
Vice President for Academic Affairs at VCSU
What they’re saying
“It's encouraging to see growth across several areas, including new and expanded partnerships in the region. 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.”
— Dr. Allen Burgad, Interim VCSU President
“Valley City State provides tremendous value to students seeking high-quality, affordable education. With 75 percent of our students coming from North Dakota, we understand the vital role we play in meeting workforce needs across the state.”
— Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs
The takeaway
VCSU's record-breaking spring enrollment demonstrates the university's ability to attract and retain students, particularly from within North Dakota, by offering high-quality, affordable education programs and partnerships. This growth positions VCSU to continue serving as a vital resource for meeting the state's workforce needs.
