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Dickinson State University vs Valley City State University

Dickinson State University is a public university in Dickinson, ND. Valley City State University is a public university in Valley City, ND. Dickinson State University admits about 37% of applicants and Valley City State University about 99%, making Dickinson State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $11,890 a year at Valley City State University after aid, and about $14,092 at Dickinson State University. About 51% of students graduate at Valley City State University, compared with 47% at Dickinson State University. Ten years after enrolling, Valley City State University alumni earn a median of about $52,725, against $50,720 for Dickinson State University.

Dickinson State University

Dickinson, ND · Public

Valley City State University

Valley City, ND · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Dickinson, ND
Valley City, ND
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,090
958
Acceptance rate
37%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.3–4
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
875–1130
830–1070
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
17–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,092
$11,890
Full cost / yr
$20,567
$20,468
In-state tuition
$9,118
$8,514
Out-of-state tuition
$9,118
$13,544
Application fee
$35
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,479
$7,879
$30k - $48k
$8,094
$7,787
$48k - $75k
$12,985
$10,841
$75k - $110k
$15,484
$12,538
Over $110k
$16,922
$14,570
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
51%
Freshman retention
67%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,628
$45,820
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,720
$52,725
Median debt at graduation
$18,442
$20,369
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
17%
First-generation students
31%
26%
International students
2%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Dickinson State University or Valley City State University harder to get into?
Dickinson State University is harder to get into. It admits about 37% of applicants, compared with 99% at Valley City State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Dickinson State University or Valley City State University?
Valley City State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,890 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,092 at Dickinson State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Dickinson State University and Valley City State University?
Before aid, Valley City State University costs about $20,468 a year and Dickinson State University about $20,567. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Dickinson State University or Valley City State University?
Valley City State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,879 there, against about $10,479 at Dickinson State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Dickinson State University or Valley City State University?
Dickinson State University is the larger of the two, with about 1,090 undergraduates against 958 at Valley City State University.
Does Dickinson State University or Valley City State University have a better graduation rate?
Valley City State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 47% at Dickinson State University.
Do graduates of Dickinson State University or Valley City State University earn more?
Valley City State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $52,725 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,720 for Dickinson State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Dickinson State University and Valley City State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Dickinson State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Valley City State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Dickinson State University and Valley City State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 875–1130 at Dickinson State University and 830–1070 at Valley City State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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